Tanzania, Uganda pick wins in CECAFA U-18 Women’s Championship

Hosts Tanzania and Uganda picked wins as the CECAFA U-18 Women’s Championship kicked off at the Azam Complex in Chamazi on Tuesday.

Tanzania netted second half goals to defeat Burundi 3-0 in the opening match, while Uganda struggled to pick a 1-0 victory against a battle hardened Ethiopia team in the second match.

In the earleir match after a goalless first half, Tanzania returned determined and attacked in numbers. The pressure paid off when a Burundian defender handled in the box for the referee to point for a penalty. Minifrida Gerald made no mistake from the spot to give Tanzania the lead after 66 minutes.

Later substitute Sarah Joel made it 2-0 after 88 minutes and Aisha Juma Mnunka netted the third goal with one minute of added time on the cloak. Burundi came close through defender Chanceline Akima and Channy Nsabiyumva in the second half.

« We are happy to start the tournament with a comfortable win, » said the Tanzanian captain Noela Patrick Luhala.

In the second match Ethiopia started on a high with Bethelehem Mentelo Sherecho shooting on target after 17 minutes, but found the Ugandan goalkeeper Cecilia Kamuli well positioned to save the shot.

Emush Daniel Dandamo had another chance for Ethiopia, but missed the target after 22 minutes. Uganda’s Brenda Munyana also had a free kick miss the target by inches after 30 minutes.

After the interval the two teams returned and attacked to try and find the goals. It was Allen Nassaazi who scored the lone goal for Uganda after after 67 minutes.

Action returns on Thursday with Uganda facing Zanzibar, while Tanzania take on Ethiopia in the second match.