Hattrick hero Ikwaput fires Kampala Queens into early lead

Fazila Ikwaput celebrates one of her goals in the CAF Champions League|KAMPALA QUEENS IMAGE.

CAF WCL Hattrick hero Ikwaput fires Kampala Queens into early lead

Fred Mwambu • 13:00 - 12.08.2023

Fazila Ikwaput scored a memorable hattrick on her debut as Kampala Queens launched their CAF Women Champions League CECAFA qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over Yei Joints Stars from South Sudan.

Ikwaput fired the Queens ahead as early as the 12th minute, capitalising on Sumaya Malit's poor clearance.

Elizabeth Nakigozi had exchanged passes with Nassuna before darting to the byline to release a cross.

Malit intercepted, but her short clearance fell on Ikwaput's path, which made no mistake firing in a non-stop with her weaker left foot.

The South Sudanese put up some resilience thereafter trying to build through Ugandan players Joanitor Naggayi and Matianah Nakato, but their attempts were matched by Daisy Nakaziro in the hosts' goal.

Ikwaput put the Sudanese on the sword once again with a classic control and finish after pouncing on another mistake by Malit.

Nassuna, again, exchanged some quick passes with Nakigozi, who sent the ball searching for Ikwaput in the box.

Malit tried to head but failed, allowing Ikwaput to calmly control, dummied Annet Adebo, and slotted below Isaac Majok's low dive to give the Kampala side a 2-0 advantage into halftime.

Coach Charles Ssenyange made two changes in the 60th minute, pulling off Matama Damali and Hassifa Nassuna for a more dynamic Shakirah Nyinagahirwa and Zainah Namuleme.

The change added speed to the Ugandan champions, who almost added the third through Nyinagahirwa, but her powerful belter was expertly saved by Majok.

Yei could not hold the Queens' attack longer than the 68th minute. Shamira Nalugya picked the ball from the middle of the pack, found space, and fired, but Majok stretched to save.

However, her reaction was beaten by Ikwaput's pace as the striker raced into force the ball over the line for her hattrick and Kampala's third.

The striker was later on pulled off alongside Nakigozi and Nalugya for Rwandan international Florence Imanizabayo, Margaret Kunihira and Hadijah Nandago.

Kampala Queens lead Group A with three points, the same as Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, who beat Buja Queens 2-1 earlier, but are on top with a better goal difference.

Kampala will return to action on Tuesday against Buja Queens as Yei Joints tussle the Ethiopians.

Kampala Queens team - Daisy Nakaziro (GK), Lukiya Namubiru, Damali Matama, Hasifah Nassuna, Fazila Ikwaputi, Shamira Nalugya, Sumaya Komuntale, Elizabeth Nakigozi, Zaina Nandede, Asia Nakibuuka, Patricia Akiror.

Substitutes - Gloria Namakula, Shakira Nyinagahirwa, Florence Imanizabayo, Hadijah Nandago, Margret Kunihira, Catherine Nagadya, Zainah Namuleme, Jamilah Nabulime, Samalie Nakachwa.

Coach: Charles Samuel Nsanziiro.

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