Kampala Queens’ fairytale run in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers came to a heartbreaking halt on Sunday evening at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani.
The Ugandan giants fought gallantly but were ultimately undone by Rwanda’s Rayon Sport in a nerve-racking penalty shootout after 120 minutes of football failed to separate the two sides.
With both defenses standing tall throughout regular and extra time, the semifinal was forced to spot-kicks, where Rayon Sport showed ice-cold precision, burying all their four penalties.
Kampala Queens blinked at the decisive moment, Catherine Nagadya and Zaitun Namanga saw their efforts denied by the brilliant Angeline Ndakimana, affectionately known as Pendo, who emerged as the undisputed heroine of the night.
The 4–3 victory sent Rayon Sport into the grand final, where they now await the winner of the other semifinal between Kenya Police Bullets and Tanzania’s JKT Queens.
For Kampala Queens, the dream of securing a ticket to the continent’s grandest women’s club competition has evaporated in cruel fashion.
However, the Queens still have pride to fight for as they turn their focus to the bronze medal playoff on Tuesday.
Only the champions of the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers will book passage to the CAF Women’s Champions League final tournament, and Kampala Queens will be left pondering what might have been after coming so close.
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