Sapula Guides Sundowns Ladies Back To CAF Champions League Final

Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies have secured their place in the 2026 CAF Women Champions League final after producing a convincing 4-1 victory over Kawempe Muslim Ladies in the second semi-final at the Suez Canal Stadium on Wednesday.

The South African champions will now face Moroccan side AS FAR in Sunday’s final, with both teams looking to finish the competition by lifting the continental trophy. For Sundowns, reaching the final is another important achievement as they return to the tournament’s biggest match for the first time since 2023.

Ronnel Donnelly was the standout performer for Godfrey Sapula’s team, scoring three goals to record her first hat-trick in the CAF Women Champions League. Her achievement was also the first hat-trick of the 2026 tournament.

Sundowns went into the semi-final looking to continue the positive momentum they had built during the group stages. They had defeated FUS Rabat 3-0 in their final group match, and Sapula made just one change to that starting line-up, bringing Lelona Daweti into the team in place of Boitumelo Rabale.

The South African side started with attacking intent and immediately looked to put pressure on their Ugandan opponents. However, despite creating opportunities, they struggled to find the finishing touch during the opening stages.

Refilwe Tholakele had one of the early opportunities in the 18th minute, but her effort inside the penalty area was blocked by the Kawempe defence.

Sundowns also had to deal with a dangerous moment in the 26th minute when goalkeeper Andile Dlamini made a poor clearance and subsequently spilled the ball. The situation could have resulted in a goal for Kawempe, but Karabo Dhlamini was alert enough to clear the ball off the goal line.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute when Donnelly found the back of the net following an assist from Asanda Hadebe.

Sundowns continued searching for another goal, although Nonhalanhla Mthandi and Daweti missed opportunities to extend the advantage.

Donnelly then took control of the match with two more goals. Daweti provided the assist for her second strike before the forward completed her hat-trick three minutes later, putting Sundowns in a commanding position.

There was still time for another goal before the interval, with Noxolo Cesane producing a powerful left-footed finish to make it 4-0.

Kawempe attempted to respond after the restart, but Sundowns remained organised and continued to defend their advantage. Dlamini was called into action to deal with a long-range effort from Agnes Nabukenya, while captain Shakira Nyinagahirwa also tried her luck from distance.

The Ugandan side eventually got a goal in the 72nd minute when Latifah Nakasi headed home to reduce the deficit.

Sundowns had an opportunity to make it five during injury time, but Tholakele was denied by the crossbar. Kawempe also had the ball in the net again, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review because of a foul in the build-up. Anitah Namata was subsequently shown a red card.

The result confirms Sundowns Ladies’ place in Sunday’s final, where they will face defending champions AS FAR. The Moroccan side will present another difficult challenge, but Sapula and his players will be determined to complete their campaign with another CAF Women Champions League title.

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