Donnelly’s hat-trick sends Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies into CAF Women’s Champions League final

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies reached the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League final with a 4-1 victory over Kawempe Muslim Ladies on Wednesday, as Ronnel Donnelly scored three times in the first half.

Sundowns will face AS FAR Rabat in Sunday’s final after producing a dominant display against a Kawempe side appearing in the semi-finals for the first time in its history.

Donnelly opened the scoring in the 29th minute after beating the offside trap on the far side, cutting into the penalty area and driving a low effort into the bottom corner.

The striker doubled Sundowns’ advantage six minutes later. Lalona Daweti’s quick shot came back into play and Donnelly reacted first to the loose ball, firing into the near corner from close range.

Kawempe were struggling to contain the South African side and conceded again before half-time. A free-kick caused confusion in the area, allowing Donnelly to arrive at the near post and complete her hat-trick with a simple finish.

Sundowns extended their lead shortly before the interval when Noxolo Cesane capitalised on more poor defending. She collected the loose ball inside the box and struck into the top corner to make it 4-0.

Kawempe responded positively after the restart and came close to reducing the deficit when Namata attempted a first-time volley from outside the area. However, Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made an important save.

The Ugandan side eventually pulled a goal back inside the final 10 minutes. Nakasa moved to the back post and headed a lofted ball across the face of goal into the bottom corner, with Dlamini unable to prevent the effort.

Sundowns remained in control and almost restored their four-goal advantage in the closing stages. Refilwe Tholakele met a ball first time inside the area, but her shot struck the top of the crossbar.

Nakasa appeared to score again two minutes into added time after cutting into the box and finding the top corner. The goal was ruled out, however, following a Video Assistant Referee review because of a foul in the build-up.

Kawempe finished with 10 players after Namata was shown a red card for a rash challenge. Godfrey Sapula’s Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies held on to complete the win and secure their place in the final.