The Philippine Men’s National Football Team opened its campaign in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 with a narrow 1-0 loss to Vietnam on Saturday at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in West Java, Indonesia.

Nguyen Dinh Bac scored the match’s lone goal in the 25th minute, firing a right-footed finish past Philippine goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza after a pass from midfield split the Philippine backline.

The Philippines thought it had found a dramatic equalizer in the 83rd minute when Kenji Nishioka latched onto a pass from teammate Sandro Reyes.

However, the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

The result moved Vietnam to second place in Group B with three points and a plus-one goal difference, behind Thailand, which opened the matchday with a 4-0 victory over Pakistan.

All four Group B teams will return to action on Tuesday at the same venue. The Philippines will face Pakistan at 5 p.m. Manila time, followed by Vietnam’s clash with Thailand at 7:30 p.m.

Only the top team in Group B will advance to the championship round to face the winner of Group A.

Meanwhile, the teams that finish second in their respective groups will meet in the bronze medal match.

The post Philippines opens ASEAN Cup campaign with narrow loss to Vietnam appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.

The air at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo is thick with anticipation this Saturday afternoon as KCCA FC Women lock horns with St Noa Girls Zana FC in a high-stakes Matchday Two encounter of the 2026/27 FUFA Women’s Super League.

Scheduled for a 4 pm kickoff, this early season contest carries the heavy weight of championship ambition, tactical intrigue, and the unyielding competitive energy of Uganda’s top flight women’s football. Crucially, both sides step onto the pitch carrying maximum points from the opening weekend, setting the stage for an explosive battle.

The Kasasiro Ladies return to their familiar home surroundings hoping to make it two wins from two, aiming to cement their status as early title contenders. Last weekend, KCCA made a resounding opening statement by brushing aside URA Ladies FC 3-0 away from home in a clinical display that seamlessly combined sharp transitions with defensive solidity.

Looking ahead to Saturday, the KCCA FC Women head coach Hamza Lutalo made the team’s objective crystal clear;

“We have prepared well for our second match, and we want to go into the break with 6 points. We continued to add to our squad, and the good players don’t stress you as a coach, and I can guarantee you will see those good players against St. Noa Girls, and I know they will add some energy to the team.”

The manager also stressed the psychological boost of their opening triumph;

“If we want to compete in the League, we have to win our home games. Winning our away game against URA FC Women gave us a lot of energy, and we shall do everything possible to win our game at home.”

Adding to KCCA’s tactical depth is new recruit Yuster Kayesu, who provides a potent fresh option in both the attacking and midfield areas as the club continues to bolster its roster. Kayesu is eager to make an immediate impact if given the nod;

“If I am given a chance to play, I promise to create an impact on the game against St Noa Girls, to command the midfield and to help my fellow players to achieve so that the team wins. I want to score and assist and promise to do my best.”

KCCA’s lofty ambitions will face a stern, uncompromising test from a St Noa Girls side that also began the campaign on a winning note. St Noa edged She Corporate FC 1-0 on Matchday one, displaying the defensive resilience and tactical discipline that could prove deeply frustrating for KCCA’s energetic attackers.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Lugogo, St Noa central defender Barbra Anomo radiated quiet confidence;

“Tomorrow we have our second game in the first round of the league. We are also well prepared. The coaches have given us a lot. We have prepared enough to make sure that we win tomorrow’s game. And we believe that we can make it.”

Teammate Brenda Nassaka echoed that sentiment, insisting St Noa’s approach will remain completely unchanged regardless of the opponent’s pedigree;

“Every game is different, but our mentality stays the same. We want to compete, enjoy our football and most importantly, we want the three points.”

Saturday’s tie is projected to evolve into a fascinating tactical chess match. KCCA are expected to stretch the pitch and utilize pace on the flanks to try and break down what will likely be a resolute St Noa low block. 

Conversely, the visitors will look to stay intensely organised, leverage their physical presence inside the box, and exploit open spaces through lightning-fast counterattacks.

With both sides sitting neatly on three points, this Matchday two fixture carries vastly more weight and an invaluable early glimpse into whether either side can successfully sustain the punishing momentum required for a gruelling title challenge over a long and demanding campaign.

Matchday Two Fixtures 

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | All matches kick off at 4 pm

• KCCA Women FC Vs St Noa Girls Zana FC -Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
• Jinja United WFC Vs She Corporate FC – Iganga Ssaza Ground
• She Maroons FC Vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC -Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku

Sunday, September 27, 2026 | All matches kick off at 4 pm

• Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC Vs Rines SS WFC -Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
• Amus College WFC Vs Lady Doves FC – Amus Stadium, Bukedea
• URA Ladies FC Vs Makerere University WFC -Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo

The post KCCA Women bank on home advantage against St Noa appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Rwanda made a brilliant start to their AFCON 2027 PAMOJA qualification campaign after defeating Liberia in their first group game on Friday.

The Amavubi Stars cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win over Liberia at the Amahoro Stadium to take early charge in Group K.

Abeddy Biramahire, Mickels Leroy Jacques and Mickels Joy Lance scored a goal each for Rwanda while Sylvanus Nimely got the consolation for Liberia.

Biramahire fired Rwanda into an early lead, scoring just after two minutes before Leroy doubled the advantage three minutes after the half hour mark.

Nimely pulled one back for Liberia five minutes later but Rwanda once again pulled away with the third goal from Lance who converted from the spot to restore the two-goal cushion.

The second half was largely about protecting the lead from the home side despite efforts from Liberia to search for more goals.

In the same group, Mali takes on Cape Verde later on today in Bamako.

On matchday two, Rwanda will make a long trip to face Cape Verde while Liberia will be at home to Mali.

The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA Qualifiers: Rwanda see off Liberia in Kigali appeared first on Kawowo Sports.