soccer 22 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ainembabazi's Stellar Performance Secures First Fufa Women's Cup for Kampala Queens
Joanita Ainembabazi was the standout player, scoring one goal and earning MVP and top scorer honors as Kampala Queens defeated Kawempe Muslim 2-0 to win their maiden Fufa Women's Cup. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/ainembabazi-delivers-fufa-women-cup-for-kampala-queens-5505314
Joanita Ainembabazi has etched her name in Kampala Queens’ history, delivering the club’s first-ever Fufa Women’s Cup title. The physically imposing forward, often overlooked for a lead role, stepped up brilliantly in the absence of regular striker Kamiyati Naigaga.
Kampala Queens’ coaching staff, led by Ethiopian Firew Asefa Hailegebreal, placed their faith in Ainembabazi, a strategy that paid dividends throughout the tournament. Her crucial goals were instrumental in their journey, starting with a strike in the Round of 16 against She Kasese, followed by the lone goal that saw them past St. Noa Girls in the quarterfinals. She continued her scoring form in both legs of the semifinals against Lady Doves, ensuring a comfortable 4-0 aggregate victory.
In the final against Kawempe Muslim, Ainembabazi’s physicality proved a constant threat to the opposition defense. Her decisive moment came in the 38th minute when she capitalized on a goalkeeping error, volleying the ball into the net for a 1-0 lead going into halftime. This goal set the tone for Kampala Queens’ historic win.
Ainembabazi was not only the hero on the pitch but also took home the tournament’s top scorer award with five goals and was named the Most Valuable Player. Her teammates and coaches lauded her contribution and the team’s collective effort in redefining their ambitions after losing the league title.
Kampala Queens solidified their victory in second-half stoppage time through Naigaga, sealing the 2-0 win. Despite Kawempe Muslim’s tactical adjustments and attempts to equalize, they could not break down the Kampala Queens’ defense. The victors also had their goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu and midfielder Shamusa Najjuma recognized with individual awards.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Kampala Queens, highlighting Ainembabazi’s crucial role in their Fufa Women’s Cup triumph.