Author: Ahmed Marsha

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship

South Sudan 1-0 Zanzibar

Ethiopia 2-2 Tanzania

South Sudan brightened their chances of progressing through to the semi-finals of the ongoing CECAFA Senior Championship after earning a 1-0 win over Zanzibar.

Debora Stephen Luka scored the lone goal of the game that was played at FUFA Technical Centre.

The opening stanza literally produced no scoring chances but South Sudan got out of the blocks to dominate proceedings in the second stanza.

The introduction of midfielder Mary Dawa gave South Sudan control and this eventually helped them to win.

The decisive moment came in the 82^nd minute when Luka went through on goal to slot home.

Victory means South Sudan go into the final group game against Ethiopia needing maximum points to progress.

Ethiopia and Tanzania who play Zanzibar have four points apiece.

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022

Group A| Matchday Two

Uganda 5-0 Djibouti

Uganda overpowered past Djibouti to all but secure a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

In a one-sided affair, Uganda registered a 5-0 win to remain top of Group A with six points from two games. The Crested Cranes defeated Rwanda in the opening game.

Defenders Aisha Nantongo and Margaret Namirimu scored in the opening stanza before Sandra Nabweteme, Fazila Ikwaput and substitute Phiona Nabbumba added a goal each after recess.

Coach George Lutalo made two changes from the team that started against Rwanda with Sandra Nabweteme and Lillian Mutuuzo starting ahead of Sumaya Komuntale and Shirazi Natasha.

Despite taking control of proceedings, Uganda lacked the much needed calmness in front of goal in a bid to take an early lead.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 17^th minute with Nantongo powering home a header from a well delivered cross by Margaret Kunihira.

The defender rushed into the six-yard box and jumped high to node home to the delight of the fans.

Two minutes to the mandatory break, Namirimu fired from far and her low drive went past Djibouti goalkeeper Rokiatou Doumbia.

Uganda was more clinical in the second half and it took only 4 minutes for Nabweteme to stretch the lead, tapping home from close range.

Nabbumba who replaced Shamira Nalugya needed only seven minutes on the pitch to announce her arrival, striking from far to make it four before Ikwpaut put the icing on the cake.

Uganda will end Group A business on Sunday with a game against Burundi while Djibouti will on the same day face Rwanda.

Uganda Starting XI

Dasiy Nakaziro (GK), Asia Nakibuuka, Margaret Namirimu, Aisha Nantongo, Joan Nabirye, Margaret Kunihira, Shamira Nalugya, Fazila Ikwaput, Hasifah Nassuna, Sandra Nabweteme, Lilian Mutuuzo

Djibouti Starting XI

Rokiatou Doumbia, Neima Abdillahi Said, Nasteho Robleh Djama, Ilham Djama Douhour, Yousra Mohamed Awad, Rahma Moustapha Aden, Anab Hassan Daher, Kafia Abdourahman Arab, Lerman Abdou Skieh, Hibo Abdi Abdillahi, Ferouze Mohamed Issa

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022

Group B

Matchday 2

Ethiopia 5-0 Zanzibar

Tanzania South Sudan

Tanzania had to dig deep to overcome South Sudan at the ongoing CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship.

In one of the Group B matches played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Thursday, Tanzania fought hard to a 2-0 win.

Skipper Amina Ally Bilali and Diana Lucas Msewa scored a goal apiece in either half to guide Tanzania to a perfect start.

South Sudan showed composure and character in the first half, frustrating Tanzania on several occasions.

Amina Ramadhan hit the woodwork while Omar Mwanahamisi saw her effort parried away by goalkeeper Tutu Khalda Hassan.

The resilience was eventually broken in the 39^th minute when a long range effort from captain Bilali found goalkeeper Hassan off her line and despite catching the ball, it had already crossed the line and second assistant referee Alice Umutesi was in the right position to confirm.

It was the same case in the second half. Even when Tanzania had attempts at goal, South Sudan kept the resolve, only for the second goal to come at the death of the clock.

The icing on the cake came in the second minute of added time with Msewa sending a low drive that beat the goalkeeper at the far post.

Thursday’s results mean Ethiopia lead group B after defeating Zanzibar 5-0 while Tanzania follow closely in second place.

Group B action will resume on Saturday with Tanzania facing Ethiopia while South Sudan will take on Zanzibar.

Tanzania Starting XI

Yinah Gelwa, Amina Ally Bilali, Fatuma Issa Suleimani, Protasia Pius Mbunda, Mwanahamisi Omary Shurua, Diana Lucas Msewa, Amina Ramadhan, Julithia Singano, Enekia Kasonga Lunyamila, Irene Erias Kisisa, Ester Mabanza Gindulya

South Sudan Starting XI

Tutu Khalda Hassan Mohammed (GK), Bandas Amadrio, Esther Kide Kute, Mary Dawa, Chieng Thomas Manyol, Amy Lasu Lauya, Maurine Makunga, Dorka Gerald Lokeri, Ponin Wani, Luka Alworonga, Vita Annet Nakirijja

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022

Matchday 1

Burundi 3-0 Djibouti

Uganda 2-0 Rwanda

Uganda put up a brilliant performance to defeat Rwanda as the 2022 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship got underway on Wednesday at FUFA Technical Centre Njeru.

A goal in either half from forward Fazila Ikwaput ensured the Crested Cranes made a perfect start to the tournament.

Despite a good start from Rwanda who opted to go for intensity, Uganda withered through the early pressure to dispatch the former.

Ikwaput broke the deadlock in the 36^th minute, firing into an empty net, capitalizing on a mistake by goalkeeper Claudine Itangishaka.

Itangishaka was late to intercept a defense splitting pass from Asia Nakibuuka, and the goalkeeper instead of clearing the ball took away Shamira Nalugya and the ball fell to Ikwaput who did no mistake to fire home.

Coach George Lutalo made a change at the start of the second half, introducing Sandra Nabweteme for Shirazi Natasha.

Nabweteme made instant impact with her movements troubling the Rwanda backline. She was involved in the second goal for Uganda that came two minutes after restart.

Ikwaput was found out wide and cut back inside before drilling home to send the fans into wild celebrations.

Hasifah Nassuna, Nalugya and Margaret Kunihira all got close to find the third goal as Uganda kept making attempt after attempt.

Victory means Uganda finishes matchday 1 in second place on 3 points, same as Burundi who defeated Djibouti in the early kick-off.

Action continues on Thursday with two fixtures in Group B. Tanzania plays South Sudan while Ethiopia will take on Zanzibar.

Uganda Starting XI

Dasiy Nakaziro (GK), Asia Nakibuuka, Sumaya Komuntale, Margaret Namirimu, Aisha Nantongo, Joan Nabirye, Margaret Kunihira, Shamira Nalugya, Fazila Ikwaput, Hasifah Nassuna, Shirazi Natasha

Rwanda Starting XI

Claudine Itangishaka (GK), Lydia Uzayisenza, Loiuse Maniraguha, Libellee Nibagwire, nne Marie Ibangbarye, Joselyne Mukantaganira, Nadine Mukandayisenga, Dorothee Mukeshimana, Callixte Iradukunda, Gloria Sifa Nibagwire, Immaculee Uwimbabazi 

CECAFA Senior Women’s Challenge Cup 2022

Burundi 3-0 Djibouti

Burundi got a comfortable start to the 2022 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship overcoming Djibouti in the opening game.

The group A game played on Wednesday at FUFA Technical Centre saw Burundi secure a 3-0 win to set the pace for the Championship.

Sandrine Niyonkuru led the way for Burundi bagging a brace while the other came from lanky midfielder Joelle Bukuru.

Despite enjoying possession in the opening stage of the game, Burundi failed to find an early lead with Djibouti defending in numbers.

The resilience was however broken down in the 36^th minute when Bukuru curled home from a well taken free kick.

Two minutes later, Burundi doubled their advantage with Niyonkuru finding herself unmarked in the area to head home.

A minute later, Djibouti were reduced to ten players with midfielder Nadia Nour sent off for retaliation.

In the second half, Djibouti despite being a player less played better and even had an attempt at goal.

Burundi would seal off the victory with a 90^th minute finish from Niyonkuru, her second on the day.

Group A has hosts Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti and Rwanda while Group B has South Sudan, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zanzibar.

Burundi Starting XI

Ariella Umurerwa(GK), Charlotte Irankunda, Ineza Bora, Peace Olga Nyomwungere, Aniella Uwimana, Sandrine Niyonkuru, Asha Djafari, Rachelle Bukuru, Joelle Bukuru, Rukiya Bizimana

Djibouti Starting XI

Rokiatou Doumbia, Nasteho Robleh Djama, Ilham Djama Douhour, Yousra Mohamed Awad, Rahma Moustapha Aden, Anab Hassan Daher, Nadia Nour, Kafia Abdourahman Arab, Lerman Abdou Sikeh, Hibo Abdi Abdillahi, Hamda Issa Youssouf

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship-Uganda 2022
Matchday 1
Group A
Burundi vs Djibouti -1PM
Uganda vs Rwanda -4PM
FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru

The 2022 Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Senior Women’s Championship will officially get underway on Wednesday, 1st June at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

After three years of no action due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the prestigious tournament returns with 8 teams taking part. These include hosts Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Djibouti and Ethiopia.

Two games in group A will kickstart the Championship that will run up to 11th June. Djibouti will take on Burundi in the early game on Wednesday while hosts Uganda face Rwanda on the same day.

While speaking to the media on Tuesday, Crested Cranes Head Coach George Lutalo expressed the readiness of his charges indicating they want to start on a high.

“My players are in good shape and ready for the Championship. We are aware every team has come with targets and equally we have set ourselves a target of achieving the best. Therefore, we want to start the first game on a high,” he stated.

Lutalo added that the tournament will help Uganda prepare well for the upcoming Women Africa Cup of Nations slated for July.

“I believe the games we will play here are important in our road to AWCON and therefore we hope to get the best preparations.”

Shadia Nankya who was named captain of the tournament stated the players are motivated and set their target at winning the title.

“We have been preparing for sometime now and I believe everyone is geared towards the tournament. We definitely cannot wait for the games to begin and we are all working towards achieving the target of lifting the Championship.”

The last time the two teams faced off was in 2018 and the game ended in a two all draw. Nankya believes there are scores to settle and all they need on Wednesday is a win.

Group B has Tanzania, Zanzibar, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Uganda Senior Women’s National Team head coach George Lutalo has named the final squad that will play at this year’s CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship.

Lutalo has released a final list of 23 players with one day left to start of the regional Championship that will be staged at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru between 1st -11th June.

The squad named comprises of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders and eight forwards.

Coach Lutalo indicates that the players that have not made the final squad will keep in camp to prepare for Women Africa Cup of Nations.

“I want to say that the players named are ready to compete. We have prepared them both physically and mentally. The players that are not on the final list will continue to be with us in camp because we know there is another tournament ahead.” He said.

Shadia Nankya has been named the captain in the absence of Ruth Aturo. Hasifah Nassuna will be the assistant captain.

Nankya expressed the readiness of the team indicating the target is to win the Championship.

“We are ready and cannot wait to get the tournament underway. I believe we are one unit and everyone is committed towards achieving this target.”

The Crested Cranes will begin the tournament against Rwanda on Wednesday before facing Burundi and Djibouti, the other teams in Group A.

Group B has Tanzania, Zanzibar, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Uganda is using the tournament as part of preparations for the TotalEnergies Women Africa Cup of Nations that will take place in Morocco in July this year.

Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, the Chairperson Local Organizing Committee (LOC) gave assurance to the public about Uganda’s readiness to host the Championship that will run between 1st-11th June at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

“FUFA and Uganda in general is delighted to host the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship this year. We assure the public and the visiting teams that everything is set and ready for action. This is a chance to create everlasting memories for the teams participating and I wish them all the best in the next days.” She said.

Crested Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers
Daisy Nakaziro (19), Daphine Nyayenga (18), Juliet Adeke (1)

Defenders
Asia Nakibuuka (2), Sumaya Komuntale (3), Lukiya Namubiru (4), Shadia Nankya (5), Margaret Namirimu (6), Samalie Nakacwa (13), Aisha Nantongo (15)

Midfielders
Phiona Nabbumba (16), Joan Nabirye (12), Sheebah Zalwango (22), Shamirah Nalugya (21), Riticia Nabbosa (17)

Forwards
Juliet Nalukenge (14), Fazila Ikwaput (9), Sandra Nabweteme (8), Hasifah Nassuna (10), Lilian Mutuuzo (11), Margaret Kunihira (7), Zaina Nandede (20), Shirazi Natasha (23)