Burundi, Uganda reach CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship final

Burundi and Uganda Crested Cranes have stormed the final of the regional CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022.

The hosts ejected Ethiopia 1-0 in a hotly contested semi final played for 120 minutes at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, Uganda.

The two teams attacked and created several scoring chances, but it was Uganda Crested Cranes that showed the spirit of late moments in sport.

With five minutes to the end of the extra time Fazila Ikwaput netted the lone goal for Uganda from a corner kick taken by skipper Hasifah Nasuuna.

“Ia am glad we are through to the final for the first time. I thank the team and everyone for the support,” said Uganda’s coach George William Lutalo.

The second semi final clash saw Burundi come from a goal down to win 2-1. Opa Clement Tukumbuke put Tanzania ahead after only 28 seconds on the clock.

But the Burundi team battled back strongly to score through skipper Aisha Djafari and a second half penalty converted by Sandra Niyonkuru.

“We kept calm and worked hard to get to the final. We now have to prepare well ahead of the final against a team that beat us in the group stage,” said Burundi’s assistant coach Belyse Ininahazwe.

Both Uganda and Burundi are using the Championship to prepare ahead of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2022 taking place next month in Morocco.

Leading scorers

Opa Clement Tukumbuke (Tanzania) – 6

Fazila Ikwaput (Uganda) – 5

Sandrine Niyonkuru (Burundi) – 5

Aregash Kalsa Tadesse (Ethiopia) – 4

Loza Abera Geinore (Ethiopia)- 4

Sandra Nabweteme (Uganda) – 3

Omary Mwanahamisi (Tanzania) – 3