CAF Women’s Champions League: Five defining moments from a dramatic group stage in Egypt
Two debutants reaching the semi-finals, the elimination of Egyptian hosts FC Masar and a stunning defeat for defending champions AS FAR were among the defining moments of the CAF Women’s Champions League Egypt 2026 group stage.
Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies and Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles emerged as two of the tournament’s biggest success stories, securing places in the last four at their first attempt.
Meanwhile, two-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns underlined their title credentials by finishing unbeaten at the top of Group A, while Kawempe forward Agnes Nabukenya emerged as the competition’s leading goalscorer with four goals.
The group stage, which concluded in Ismailia over the weekend, produced several unexpected results and impressive individual performances, highlighting the growing competitiveness of women’s club football across Africa.
Four teams remain in contention for the continental crown, with the semi-finals scheduled for Wednesday, 11 November.
CAFOnline.com looks back at five moments that shaped the opening phase of the competition.
1. Agnes Nabukenya leads Kawempe’s remarkable campaign
Ugandan forward Agnes Nabukenya emerged as one of the standout performers of the group stage, scoring four goals to lead the competition’s scoring charts ahead of the semi-finals.
Her goals proved instrumental in Kawempe Muslim Ladies’ historic qualification for the knockout stage in their first appearance at the continental finals.
Nabukenya demonstrated her attacking qualities throughout the opening phase, combining intelligent movement with clinical finishing to help the Ugandan side compete against more experienced opponents.
Her most decisive contribution came in Kawempe’s final Group B match against Mali’s USFAS Bamako, when she scored twice in a convincing 3-0 victory.
The forward opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before adding her second in the 71st, ensuring Kawempe secured the result required to advance.
Her performances have been central to the club’s success and underlined the attacking threat that Kawempe will carry into the semi-finals.
Having finished the group stage as the leading scorer, Nabukenya will now have an opportunity to build on her impressive record as the Ugandan debutants pursue a place in the final.
2. Kawempe stun defending champions AS FAR in five-goal thriller
One of the biggest surprises of the group stage came when Kawempe Muslim Ladies defeated defending champions AS FAR 3-2 in a thrilling Group B encounter.
The result represented a major statement from the Ugandan newcomers, who overcame one of the continent’s most successful women’s clubs.
AS FAR entered the tournament seeking to defend the title they won in 2025, having previously claimed their first continental crown in 2022.
Their experience and pedigree made them one of the leading contenders, but Kawempe demonstrated that their lack of previous participation at this level would not prevent them from challenging established opponents.
The five-goal contest provided one of the most entertaining matches of the group stage and highlighted the attacking confidence of the Ugandan side.
For Kawempe, the victory was particularly significant because it came against a club with a proven record of success in the competition.
The result also strengthened their belief that they could compete with Africa’s best teams and helped lay the foundation for their eventual semi-final qualification.
Although AS FAR recovered to finish top of Group B, the defeat demonstrated that even the continent’s established champions could be vulnerable against ambitious newcomers.
Kawempe’s success was further evidence of the increasing depth of talent and competitiveness in African women’s club football.
3. Mamelodi Sundowns maintain unbeaten run to top Group A
Mamelodi Sundowns demonstrated their experience and consistency by finishing the group stage unbeaten, securing first place in Group A with seven points.
The South African champions, winners of the competition in 2021 and 2023, entered the tournament determined to reclaim the continental title after missing the 2025 edition.
Their campaign began with a goalless draw against Egyptian hosts FC Masar, a result that left them needing to improve their attacking performance.
Sundowns responded with a 2-1 victory over Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles before completing the group stage with an emphatic 3-0 win against Morocco’s FUS Rabat.
The final victory confirmed their place at the top of the group and provided momentum ahead of the knockout stage.
Bambanani Mbane opened the scoring against FUS in the 25th minute before Ntandoyenkosi Majiya and Karabo Dhlamini added late goals to complete the victory.
The South Africans’ ability to remain unbeaten while improving as the competition progressed reinforced their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent women’s football clubs.
Their seven-point tally also ensured they entered the semi-finals without having suffered a defeat, giving them confidence as they pursue a third continental crown.
Sundowns will face Kawempe Muslim Ladies in the last four, setting up an intriguing contest between one of the competition’s most successful clubs and one of its most impressive newcomers.
4. Egyptian hosts FC Masar suffer unexpected group-stage elimination
FC Masar’s elimination was one of the most disappointing outcomes for the host nation, with the Egyptian club failing to reach the semi-finals despite entering their final Group A match in a strong position.
Masar had collected four points from their opening two fixtures, beginning with a 0-0 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns before defeating Morocco’s FUS Rabat 3-0.
The results left the Egyptian side needing only a draw against Lekié Football Filles to secure a third consecutive semi-final appearance.
However, the Cameroonian debutants produced a determined performance to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory and overturn the qualification picture.
Brenda Tabe gave Lekié a sensational start by opening the scoring in the first minute before MN Biyo doubled their advantage in the 59th.
Masar responded through F. Elmahdy but could not find the equaliser required to progress.
The defeat left both clubs level on four points, with Lekié advancing because of their superior head-to-head record.
For Masar, the result was particularly painful after their promising opening performances and the advantage of competing on home soil.
The Egyptian side had reached the semi-finals in their previous two appearances, making their group-stage exit a significant setback.
Their elimination also underlined the increasingly competitive nature of the tournament, where established teams can no longer take progression to the knockout stage for granted.
5. Lekié and Kawempe make history with semi-final qualification on debut
Perhaps the most significant development of the group stage was the qualification of two debutants, Lekié Football Filles and Kawempe Muslim Ladies, for the semi-finals.
Their progress represents an important achievement for women’s club football in Cameroon and Uganda, demonstrating that emerging teams are increasingly capable of challenging established continental powers.
Lekié experienced a difficult start to their campaign, drawing 0-0 against FUS Rabat before losing 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Cameroonian side entered their final group match with just one point, knowing that only victory against FC Masar would preserve their hopes of progressing.
They responded with an impressive 2-1 win, securing second place in Group A and a historic semi-final appearance.
Kawempe’s route was equally memorable, highlighted by their stunning 3-2 victory against defending champions AS FAR and a commanding 3-0 win over USFAS Bamako.
The Ugandan representatives finished second in Group B, earning a place among Africa’s final four at their first attempt.
Both clubs now face major challenges as they seek to extend their remarkable campaigns.
Lekié will meet defending champions AS FAR, while Kawempe take on two-time winners Mamelodi Sundowns.
Their presence in the semi-finals ensures that at least one debutant could challenge for a place in the championship match.
Whatever happens in Wednesday’s encounters, the two clubs have already produced some of the most memorable achievements of the 2026 competition.
Their success reflects the growing strength of women’s football across the continent and offers encouragement to clubs seeking to establish themselves at the highest level.
CAF Women’s Champions League Egypt 2026 – Semi-final fixtures
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AS FAR (Morocco) vs Lekié Football Filles (Cameroon)
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Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies (Uganda)
With four teams remaining, the competition now enters its decisive phase as the continent’s established champions attempt to withstand the challenge of two ambitious newcomers.
The semi-finals promise another compelling chapter in a tournament already marked by individual brilliance, surprise results and historic achievements.
