Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies thrash Kawempe Muslim LFC to reach CAF Women’s Champions League final

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies reached the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League final with a commanding 4-1 victory over Kawempe Muslim LFC on Wednesday evening.

Ronnel Donnelly scored a first-half hat-trick, while Noxolo Cesane added another before the interval to put the South African champions in complete control. Latifah Nakasi scored a consolation for the tournament debutants after the break, but Sundowns held on comfortably despite Kawempe creating late pressure.

Sundowns had begun their group-stage campaign with a goalless draw, but recovered to beat Cameroonian side Lekie Football Filles and Moroccan club FUS Rabat. Those results secured their place in the semi-finals.

Kawempe also progressed from the group stage after recording two wins and one defeat. Their second-place finish was historic, as it made them the first side from the club to reach the knockout stage of the competition.

Sundowns took the lead in the 29th minute when Donnelly scored her first goal of the tournament. The goal was checked and approved by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The forward struck again five minutes later, before completing her hat-trick in the 36th minute. Her three goals gave the Brazilians a commanding advantage and left Kawempe facing a difficult task before half-time.

Sundowns added a fourth goal just before the interval. Cesane found the back of the net in the 44th minute for her first goal of the competition, sending her side into the break with a 4-0 lead.

Kawempe continued to compete after the restart and eventually reduced the deficit with about 25 minutes remaining. Nakasi beat Sundowns goalkeeper Andile Dlamini to give the Ugandan side a consolation goal.

The South African champions continued to look for further goals in the closing stages. Refilwe Tholakele came closest to extending the lead when her effort struck the woodwork.

Four goals proved sufficient for Sundowns to secure their place in the final, while Kawempe’s difficult evening ended with a further setback in second-half stoppage time. Anita Namata was sent off, leaving the tournament debutants with 10 players.