Kenya, Uganda register wins to storm Cecafa Women’s Challenge Cup semis

Kenya Starlets and Uganda Crested Cranes have joined Tanzania in the semi final stage at the on-going 2019 Cecafa Senior Women’s Challenge Cup in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Kenyan team humbled Djibouti 12-0 in the first Group B match played on Tuesday at the Chamazi Stadium, while the Uganda Crested Cranes struggled to edge Ethiopia 1-0.

The two teams are tied on six points each with 14 goals scored and none conceded. They will play the last Group game on Thursday to decide which team tops the group.

Jentrix Shikangwa netted four goals for Kenya, while skipper Jereko Mwanalima and substitute Mercy Airo scored a hat-trick each. Vivian Makokha and Janet Bundi also got their names on the score sheet.

Djibouti’s coach Sarah M’Barek, a former French International tried to make chances to her team, but they failed to march the physicality of the Kenyan team.

“It is unfortunate that we conceded four penalties because of lack of experience. But this is our first time in a women’s tournament and it is good exposure for the girls,” added M’Barek.

The Kenyan coach David Ouma was happy with the attacking ability of his team and the fact that they kept a clean sheet. “I am happy with the way the team played today as we have now scored 14 goals and conceded none,” added the coach.

In the second game Uganda Crested Cranes needed a 74^th minute goal by Fauzia Najjemba to collect maximum point. But the Ethiopian team put up a good show and were unfortunate not to take some of their scoring opportunities created.

Uganda’s coach Faridah Bulega said they had won against a very good Ethiopian team. “We need to take every game as it comes,” added Bulega.

Action continues on Wednesday with South Sudan facing Burundi, while Zanzibar battle Tanzania in the second Group A match.

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

Group B

P   W   D   L  GF  GA  A Pts

Kenya            2    2    0    0   14   0   14   6

Uganda         2    2    0    0   14    0   14   6

Ethiopia       2    0    0    2    0     3   -3   0

Djibouti        2    0    0   2    0   25  -25  0