Sundowns Ladies Dominate Semi-Final As Donnelly Scores Three Before Half-Time

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are one victory away from reclaiming the continental crown after producing a commanding 4-1 win over Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies to reach the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League final.

The South African champions settled the semi-final at a remarkable pace on Wednesday evening, with Ronnel Donnelly scoring three times in a devastating first-half performance. Noxolo Cesane added another goal before the break to give Godfrey Sapula’s team a four-goal advantage.

Donnelly opened the scoring in the 29th minute after breaking through the opposition’s defensive line. She moved into the penalty area and finished into the bottom corner to put Sundowns ahead.

The striker needed only five more minutes to find the net again. A quick effort from Lalona Daweti produced a loose ball inside the box, and Donnelly reacted fastest to fire home from close range.

Kawempe struggled to contain the South Africans, and Donnelly completed her hat-trick in the 36th minute. A free-kick delivered into the penalty area caused problems for the Ugandan defence, allowing her to finish at the near post.

Sundowns were not finished. Four minutes before half-time, Cesane capitalised on another defensive mistake and sent the ball into the top corner, extending the lead to 4-0.

Kawempe showed greater attacking intent after the interval and came close to reducing the deficit when Namata attempted a first-time volley from outside the box. However, Sundowns goalkeeper Andile Dlamini produced an important save to preserve her side’s advantage.

The Ugandan side eventually found a goal in the closing stages. Nakasa arrived at the far post to head a lofted delivery across the area into the bottom corner, giving Kawempe something to celebrate.

Sundowns nearly added a fifth when Refilwe Tholakele struck the crossbar with a first-time effort inside the penalty area.

Nakasa appeared to have scored again during stoppage time, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review identified a foul in the build-up. Kawempe also ended the contest with ten players after substitute Namata was sent off for a rash challenge.

The result sends Sundowns Ladies into Sunday’s final, where they will face Moroccan side AS FAR Rabat for the continental title. Donnelly’s hat-trick proved decisive in securing their place in the championship match.

Source: https://x.com/kickoffmagazine/status/2120564118532894891?s=46

SApoliticss feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com