Kawempe make FWEL playoffs

Kampala.

Kawempe Muslim always relied on their forwards in big games en route to their three titles in the Fufa Women Elite League (FWEL).
But with most them long gone overseas and to other teams, the current crop led by Juliet Nalukenge (seven FWEL goals) and Asia Nakibbuka (five) have struggled to live up to the billing.
Yesterday, as Kawempe beat Kampala Queens 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the FWEL playoffs, goalkeeper Juliet Adeke and midfielder Tracy Jones Akiror emerged as heroes.
Adeke saved Winnie Babirye’s penalty in a crazy shootout that had referee Immaculate Aciro erroneously first end the game just after three takers had had their chance.
At the time Kawempe was leading 3-2. It took the intervention of the match assessor to have the shootouts continue.
On the other hand, Akiror scored the equalizer in the 72nd minute, just seven minutes after substitute Lillian Akello had scored the opener for Kampala Queens.
“Our forwards have shied away the whole season so it was no surprise that the goal came from an unlikely source,” Kawempe coach Ayub Khalifan, said in reference to Akiror’s strike.
Kampala Queens coach Faridah Bulega, also made a 90th minute substitution withdrawing goalkeeper Cissy Nakiguba in the hope that Lillian Adubango would pull them through the penalty shootout but the plan flopped.
In the second playoff, Norah Alupo’s 41st minute strike was enough to see Olila past Gafford. The former, however, will goalkeeper Lucy Angeo to thank for her outstanding display in keeping out Gafford’s arrays of attack.
“Every game has its standout perform and today Lucy put in a big performance for us,” Olila coach Saddam Pande, said.