The Ugandan champions delivered a memorable performance on Monday at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, coming from behind twice before snatching a dramatic stoppage-time winner against one of Africa's most experienced women's football sides.
Agnes Nabukenya emerged as the heroine of the evening, scoring twice, including the decisive goal in the fourth minute of added time. Captain Shakirah Nyinagahirwa also found the net as Kawempe secured one of the biggest victories in the club's history.
The result marked a remarkable continental debut for head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi and his players, who demonstrated resilience, determination and attacking quality against the two-time African champions.
AS FAR started the encounter brightly and took an early lead in the sixth minute through Fatima Tagnout, whose well-executed curling effort from outside the penalty area beat Kawempe goalkeeper Josephine Nambuya.
The Moroccan side controlled much of the opening half, forcing Kawempe to work hard defensively as they carried their 1-0 advantage into the break.
However, the Ugandan representatives returned with renewed determination after the interval and found their breakthrough in the 53rd minute.
Nyinagahirwa delivered an intelligent pass into Nabukenya's path, allowing the forward to control the ball before unleashing a powerful low finish into the far corner to restore parity.
Kawempe's momentum continued, and just six minutes later, the captain put her side ahead with an excellent individual effort.
Nyinagahirwa timed her movement perfectly inside the penalty area, controlled the ball and fired past the AS FAR goalkeeper from a tight angle to complete the turnaround and give the debutants a 2-1 lead.
AS FAR responded by stepping up the pressure and eventually found an equaliser in the 69th minute after goalkeeper Nambuya brought down Nadia Lafta inside the penalty area.
Substitute Nadia El Madani took responsibility from the spot and calmly converted the penalty, bringing the score to 2-2.
With the contest finely balanced, both teams pushed forward in search of a winner.
Kawempe created several promising opportunities, with Hadijah Babirye testing the Moroccan goalkeeper and substitute Anitah Namata coming close after her effort struck the side netting.
At the opposite end, Nambuya produced an important save to deny Lafta in a one-on-one situation, while Babirye made a crucial goal-line clearance after the goalkeeper had been beaten.
Just when the encounter appeared destined for a draw, Kawempe delivered the decisive moment.
In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Latifah Nakasi released Nabukenya, who showed remarkable composure to beat the advancing goalkeeper and complete her brace, sending the Ugandan contingent into wild celebrations.
The final whistle confirmed a famous 3-2 victory for Kawempe Muslim, handing the Ugandan champions a dream start to their first-ever appearance in the competition.
The victory was particularly significant given AS FAR's impressive record in the tournament. The Moroccan giants have featured in every edition of the CAF Women's Champions League since its introduction in 2021, winning the title in 2022 and 2025.
They also finished runners-up in 2024 and secured third-place finishes in 2021 and 2023.
Before Monday's encounter, AS FAR had played 25 matches at the tournament finals, winning 17, drawing three and losing five. They had also won 14 of their previous 18 matches against teams making their competition debut.
Kawempe will now look to build on their impressive opening performance when they return to action on Thursday, November 5, against Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies in their second Group B encounter.
After conquering the defending champions in their first continental outing, the Ugandan champions have sent a strong message that they are ready to compete among Africa's elite.
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