Kampala Queens began their 2024/25 Women Super League season on a low note, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wakiso Hill at Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
The Queens took the lead in the 65th minute through Shamusa Najjuma, one of their new signings making her debut.
However, their hopes of starting the campaign with a victory were dashed in the dying moments when Wakiso Hill equalized through a stunning Judith Mawuwa freekick in the 90th minute.
It was a disappointing ending to Coach Charles Ayiekho’s side that dominated the match from the start.
Captain Shamirah Nalugya came close to opening the scoring in the second minute but struck the woodwork.
Nalugya later tested Wakiso Hills goalkeeper Halimah Kasuubo with a well-taken freekick, but Kasuubo managed to keep it out.
Kampala Queens had two penalty shouts waved away by referee Diana Murungi, first when Sumaya Nalumu was brought down in the box, and later after a handball incident in the second half.
Kampala Queens
Despite controlling the majority of the game, the hosts failed to capitalize on their chances.
Najjuma’s goal in the 65th minute briefly lifted spirits, but Wakiso Hills, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, refused to back down.
Fatuma Omer Abubakar had a clear opportunity to level the score shortly after, but sent her shot over the bar from inside the box.
Judith Mawuwa, coming off the bench, delivered the final blow to Kampala Queens with a lofted freekick that sailed past goalkeeper Gloria Namakula in stoppage time, securing an unexpected point for the visitors.
Kampala Queens will be disappointed with the result, as they were expected to win comfortably.
Wakiso Hill
For Wakiso Hill, this performance offers hope of an improved campaign after last season’s struggles, surviving relegation on penultimate day of the season.
Kampala Queens who also suffered a setback when midfielder Cathy Nagadya was forced off with an injury, will look to bounce back in their next fixture against bitter rivals She Corporate on October 5.
The Queens will need to regroup quickly as they aim to challenge for the title, while Wakiso Hill will look to build on this encouraging result when they host champions Kawempe Muslim in Kitende on Sunday, October 6.
Players used
Kampala Queens – Gloria Namakula, Shamirah Nalugya, Teddy Najjuma, Catherine Nagadya, Shamusa Najjuma, Nabulime Jamilah,
Shakirah Nankwanga, Zainah Nandede, Winniefred Kwatulira, Esther Namusoke, Anitah Namata
Wakiso Hill – Halima Kasuubo, Patricia Nayiga, Justine Birabwe, Namata Nantongo Teddy, Teopista APino, Loy Ndagire, Rachael Auma, Faith Namuddu, Faridah Namirimu, Anitah Tezikya, Esther Anzoo
Friday, September 27
•Kampala Queens 1-1 Wakiso Hill
Saturday, September 28
- Lady Doves Vs Tooro Queens – Katusabe ground
- Olila Vs Amus college – Olila
- Uganda Martyrs Vs She Corporate – Lubaga
Sunday, September 29
- Kawempe Muslim Vs Rines – Kawempe
- Makerere University Vs She Maroons – MUK grounds
