Tanzania have booked a place in the final of the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship 2026.

The hosts saw off South Sudan 4-0 in the second semi-final match played on Sunday at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Bahat Kizanguzi and Harrier Juma gave Tanzania a 2-0 half time lead as the home side dominated play and run rings around South Sudan.

After recess South Sudan tried to compact their defensive midfield with Gal Adhel and Amel Achuil, but still failed to stop the free flowing Tanzanian team.

Yasinta Kaluwa made it 3-0 after 57 minutes, before Kizanguzi netted her second goal of the day after 78 minutes.

“We are happy to reach the final and we prepare well ahead of the match against Uganda,” said the Tanzania captain Harrier Juma.

To reach the final Tanzania defeated Somalia and Sudan, and settled for a 1- draw against Kenya in the last Group A match.

The play-off match to decide the third best team will see Kenya face South Sudan, while Uganda face Tanzania in the final with all matches to be played on Tuesday at the KMC Stadium.

When the CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship 2026 kicked off in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 13th June, two debutant teams, Sudan and Somalia registered a first in the books. Their journeys were marked by challenges, breakthroughs, and a spirit of resilience that will inspire generations in Sudand and Somalia respectively..

Somalia: A Dream Awakened

For Somalia, participation itself was a triumph. Head Coach Mahad Mohamed Hagi admitted he was excited that CECAFA had created such an opportunity for his team. Though results were tough, he emphasized that this was only the beginning: “We will come back stronger than this time.”

Their shining moment came against Sudan, where Somalia secured a commanding victory. Rising star Nagma Mohamed delivered a stunning hat-trick, leading her team to an 8–2 win. That match became a symbol of hope, a proof that Somali girls could compete, score, and celebrate on an international stage.

Sudan: Courage Against the Odds

Sudan’s journey was equally historic, though filled with cultural and logistical hurdles. Assistant Coach Aisha Mohamed spoke candidly about the short preparation time and assembling a team, with cultural challenges noting parental consent that is not always a guarantee. Eitherway they did turn up in the international stage, despite these barriers and took the field with determination.

Head Coach Burhaneldin Yousif Tia Ahmed praised the effort as the start of a journey that gives hope for future progress. Sudan finished last in their group against Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia, conceding 21 goals. Yet, they celebrated two historic strikes , goals by Fatin Fadol and Naswa Abbas, moments that symbolized courage and possibility. Everybody now knows Sudan has a U17 Women’s national Team and theres is path we are creating into senior women’s team.

Beyond the Scoreline

While the scoreboards told of defeats and heavy losses, the deeper story was one of breaking barriers. For both Sudan and Somalia, this was their first-ever appearance in a CECAFA women’s youth tournament. The challenges of culture, resources, and experience were immense, but stepping onto the pitch itself was a victory.

Their participation planted seeds of progress: inspiring young girls back home, proving to federations that investment in women’s football matters, and showing the region that the future of the game is inclusive.

In Dar es Salaam, the girls of Sudan and Somalia didn’t just play football

The semi-final stage is set for the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

In the last Group B matches played on Thursday Zanzibar defeated Djibouti 4-0, while Uganda also picked a similar win against South Sudan in matches played at the KMC Stadium.

After losing to South Sudan and Uganda, the Zanzibar Queens finally registered a win.

Defender Luiz Federico netted an own goal after only two minutes to give Zanzibar the lead. Aidda Mnyachisa made it 2-0 after nine minutes.

The Djibouti team tried to play a highly defensive approach, but failed to contain the Zanzibar Queens. Aziza Hamadi and Mariam Hussein added two more goals to ensure Zanzibar picked their only win in the competition.

In the second match Uganda Teen Cranes netted two goals in each half against South Sudan. Shadia Nabirye and Justine Ayerango each scored a brace.

Uganda who finished top of Group A will now face Kenya in one of the semi-final matches

Although Kenya was leading 16-0 against Sudan and the match was abandoned after 56 minutes, the CECAFA organising committee after consultation with CAF declared Kenya the winner by 3 points and 3 goals.  

Hosts Tanzania will take on South Sudan in the other semi-final match.

The CECAFA season opening tournament attracted eight teams; Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia and Sudan.

Group A table standing

                 P   W   D   L   GF  GA  GD  Pts

Tanzania 3    2    1   0   15    1    14    7

Kenya      3    2    1   0   10    1     9     7

Somalia   3    1    0   2    8   12   -4     3

Sudan      3    0    0   3    2   21   -19   0

Group B table standing

                  P   W   D   L   GF  GA  GD  Pts

Uganda   3    3    0   0   20    0    20    9

S.Sudan   3    2    0   1    7     4     3     6

Zanzibar  3    1    0   2    4     4     0     3

Djibouti   3    0    0   3    0   23   -23   0

Somalia has written history after their team won their first International match in Women’s Football.

After losing the first two matches to Tanzania and Kenya, the Somalia team registered an 8-2 victory against Sudan in a Group A match of the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship played on Wednesday.

Nagma Mohamed netted a hat-trick, while Sundus Mohamaed picked a brace in the huge win for Somalia at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Hibo Salad, Halimo Isse and Maryan Osoble also got their names on the score sheet.

The Sudan team which is also playing in the regional tournament for the first time scored through Nashwa Abbas and Fatin Fadol.

It was all celebration for the Somalia team that wrote their own history that should ignite more positivity in women’s Football back at home.

“I am very happy that I scored three goals today. This will motivate me to keep working hard,” said Nagma Mohamed who netted a hat-trick and was voted player of the match.

Somalia’s head coach Maha Mohamed Hagi said he was very impressed with the effort of the team and picking their first win at International level. “We came for this tournament to learn and I am glad we have also collected a win. We shall keep improving as we participate in many more tournaments,” added the coach.

Somalia lost their opening match 4-0 to hosts Tanzania, and lost 6-0 to Kenya in the second match. They completed the tournament in style with an 8-2 victory against Sudan.