Amus College WFC wrote a golden chapter in Ugandan women’s football history on Saturday after claiming their first-ever FUFA Women’s Cup title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
In a tense and closely contested final, the breakthrough came just two minutes from time when Kawempe defender Samali Nakacwa scored an unfortunate own goal under pressure from Amus forward Opisa Shalyne. The goal proved decisive, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Bukedea-based side who capped off a spirited cup run with a resilient and tactical performance.
The match, which marked the conclusion of the sixth edition of the FUFA Women’s Cup, was played in front of an enthusiastic crowd that responded to FUFA’s initiative of free entry to support the women’s game.
Despite Kawempe’s pedigree and dominance in women’s football, they were unable to break down a determined Amus defense. Second-half substitutions by Kawempe, including the introduction of Claire Kebirungi and Adong Mebel, could not unlock the deadlock. Amus nearly took the lead earlier when Tamis Shafiga’s header in the 67th minute narrowly missed the target. Kawempe responded with a chance of their own, but Amus goalkeeper Ritah Namukisa came up big to deny Jovia Nakagolo from close range.
With penalties looming, Amus mounted one final push. Opisa Shalyne’s relentless pressure paid off when Nakacwa, in a moment of misfortune, turned the ball into her own net to gift Amus the title.
In a symbolic passing of the torch, She Corporate FC’s captain from the 2024 edition, Aminah Nakato, presented the trophy to the new champions, emphasizing the continuity and tradition of the competition.
Amus College WFC’s road to glory was anything but easy. They started their campaign with a 2-1 win away at Isra Soccer Academy in the Round of 32. After advancing past Asubo Ladies via a walkover, they edged Wakiso Hill WFC 3-2 in a thrilling quarterfinal. Their most emphatic result came in the semifinals, where they stunned 2023 champions Uganda Martyrs Lubaga 4-2 on aggregate.
On the other side, Kawempe—four-time league champions—were also impressive en route to the final. They dispatched Royal Dreamers, Makerere University, and defending champions She Corporate FC before seeing off St Noa Girls SS in the semifinals.
