Fazila Ikwaput fires East Bengal to comeback victory as Ugandan women shine abroad

Fazila Ikwaput scored twice to inspire East Bengal to a 2-1 comeback victory in the AFC Women’s Champions League, while fellow Ugandan international Sylvia Kabene also found the net during an impressive week for the country’s women footballers playing abroad.

Ikwaput struck both goals as East Bengal recovered from a goal down to beat Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in the continental competition.

Her compatriot Resty Nanziri also featured, completing the full match as the Indian side secured an important victory.

In Malta, Crested Cranes forward Kabene was another Ugandan player to make a scoring contribution.

She helped Mġarr United Women FC claim a 2-1 win over Birkirkara, playing all 90 minutes of the encounter.

The performances of Ikwaput and Kabene provided the main scoring highlights, although several other Ugandan players were involved in important matches across different leagues and competitions.

Ugandan players feature in African competitions

In Egypt, Phiona Nabulime was involved in two matches for FC Masar, completing the full 90 minutes in both appearances.

She first helped her team secure a 3-0 away victory against ZED FC before featuring for the entire match in a goalless draw against South African side Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Catherine Nagadya also enjoyed a winning outing in Egypt, playing 77 minutes for Al Ahly Women during their convincing 3-0 victory over Palm Hills SC.

Elsewhere, Shamirah Nalugya completed the match for Dynamo Brest Women in Belarus as they recovered from a goal behind to defeat FC Minsk 2-1.

In Denmark, Vanessa Karungi was named among the substitutes but did not come off the bench as Brøndby Women recorded a 2-0 win over Odense Women.

Mixed results for Ugandans in Mexico and Puerto Rico

In Mexico, Juliet Nalukenge played the full match for Club Puebla Femenil, but her side suffered a 2-1 away defeat against Atlas.

Sandra Nabweteme was absent from Santos Laguna Femenil’s squad for their 2-1 loss to Club León because of injury.

Laki Otandeka also completed the full match for Coamo FC in Puerto Rico, although she could not prevent her team from losing 1-0 to Puerto Rico Surf Soccer Club.

Ugandan players make their mark in Tanzania

There were more positive results for Ugandan players in Tanzania, where Ruth Aturo and Zainah Nandede both played the full 90 minutes as Simba Queens secured a 3-0 victory over Kilimanjaro Wonders.

Yanga Princess also recorded a three-goal win, beating Bunda Girls by the same scoreline.

Leticia Nabbosa played the entire match for Yanga Princess, while Joan Nabirye featured for 30 minutes and Resty Kobusobozi came on for the final 25 minutes.

Sumaya Komuntale and Molly Nabitaka were named among the substitutes but did not make an appearance.

Mixed fortunes in Kenya and Turkey

In Kenya, Margaret Kunihira played the full match for Kenya Police Bullets Women, who suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Ulinzi Starlets.

Daisy Nakaziro was an unused substitute, while Sandra Kisakye and Hadijja Nandago were not included in the squad for the encounter.

Jauharah Nabaggala, meanwhile, enjoyed a winning outing with Kibera Soccer Women. She played 80 minutes as her team secured a 2-0 victory over Kayole Starlets.

In Turkey, Viola Nambi made a late appearance for Trabzonspor AS, playing the final 20 minutes of their emphatic 4-0 win against Amen SK.

The latest round of fixtures highlighted the continued involvement of Ugandan women footballers across several international leagues and continental competitions.

While Ikwaput’s brace for East Bengal and Kabene’s goal for Mġarr United stood out among the individual performances, other players also contributed through full-match appearances and important team victories.

Their involvement stretched across Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and the Caribbean.