CECAFA WOMEN’S CHALLENGE CUP: Tanzania defeat Burundi to book semi final slot

Defending champions Tanzania stopped Burundi 4-0 in a Group A match on Monday to book a place in the semi finals at the on-going Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup. Donisia Daniel Minja put Tanzania in the lead after 35 minutes were she capitalized on a shaky Burundian defense and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Jeanine Irakoze.

The Burundi defenders led by Sandrine Niyonkuru and Angelique Keza later stepped up their game to give Tanzania no room to score more goals in the first half.

But a tactical change in the second half saw Tanzania run rings around the Burundi team at the Chamazi Stadium.

Tanzania used speed and good passing to expose the Burundi defenders who were occasionally caught off guard. Minja scored her second of the day after 66 minutes after rounding off Charlotte Irankunda and slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

Burundi who stopped Zanzibar 5-0 in their opening match failed to put their act together as Tanzania continued to create many spaces.

Burundi’s coach Daniella Niyibimenya later made some changes, but to no avail.

After 72 minutes a well taken pass by Minja was well placed by skipper Asha Saada Rashid to make it 3-0 before Omary Shurua Mwanahamisi got her name on the score sheet after 86 minutes.

Tanzania’s coach Shime Bakari praised his team for the good game. “I am happy that we have kept a 100% winning record and conceded no goal yet,” added the coach.

Belyse Ininahazwe, the Burundi assistant coach said they had been outplayed by a good team. “My team played well but faced a strong quick team. We shall prepare well for our last group game against South Sudan,” said Ininahazwe.

Action continues on Tuesday with Group B matches as Kenya face Djibouti in the first match, while Uganda Crested Cranes take on Ethiopia.

Group A

P    W   D    L    GF  GA   A  Pts

Tanzania         2     2     0    0   13    0   13    6

Burundi           2     1     0    1    5     4     1     3

South Sudan   2    1     0    1     5     9   -4     3

Zanzibar          2    0     0    2   10   0   -10   0