Draws for the inaugural CECAFA U18 Boys Championship were held today at FUFA Technical Center, Njeru by the Director of Competitions Yusuf Mossi.
8 Teams were potted into two groups A and B.
| Group A | Group B |
| Kenya | Tanzania |
| Somalia | Zanzibar |
| Rwanda | South Sudan |
| Sudan | Uganda |
Djibouti, which was drawn in Group A, withdrew on November 15th, 2023.
The tournament will take place from 25th November to 9th December 2023 at Kisumu Stadium and Kakamega Stadium.
Pictorial from the last training of the U18
The hosts of the CECAFA U15 Boys Championship 2023 are set to face Zanzibar as the tournament climaxes.
The Rhinos saw off Tanzania in a match that ended 2-1. Abubakali Walusimbe slotted in the Rhino’s first goal in the twelfth minute, and Samuel Muburu added the second in the forty-fourth minute. Tanzania pulled one back through Feisal Juma in the eighty-third minute.
Zanzibar and South Sudan played to a one-all draw in a match that was decided by spot kicks, as goals from Abdulhafidh Salmin (ZAN) and Anur Loboro (SSD) were not sufficient.
Lazarus Peter George Laku and Victor Elizaya missed a penalty each, seeing South Sudan out of contention for a spot in the final. The other goals were scored by Ismail Mansuk and Felix Marial.
Zanzibar slotted all their spot kicks. Saleh Mbarouk, Abdulhafidh Salmin, Mohamed Shaaban, and Mohamed Nassor were on target.
Pictorial
Uganda Rhinos (U15) 2-1 Tanzania U15
Uganda U15 Starting XI – Edrisa Waibi (GK), Samuel Mubiru, Ratib Gulanyago, Frank Ssekanjako, Abubakali Walusimbi (C), Richard Okello, Pius Oyirwoth, Owen Mukisa, Ibra Ssebagala, Ronald Kigoye, Enock Bagenda.
Substitutes – Ashraf Lukyamuzi (GK), Moses Kalule, Tom Ssesaazi, Musa Akbar, Simon Wanyama, Arafat Nkoola, Micheal Kyeyune, Thomas Ogema, Abdulshakur Babi
Tanzania U15 Starting XI – Abrahman Nassoro (GK), Mohammed Omar, Hassan Bandya, Pius John, Feisal Juma, Mohammed Shilla, Hamisi Hamisi, Athuman Salumu, Peter Arbogasti, Dominic Mgeluwa, Kaniki Seleman
Substitutes – Laurence Agostino, Mshenga Bakari, Jaffari Mwenyemba, Mark Khamsini, Juma Abushiri, Mohammed Hassan, Abel Samson, Juma Mashaka, Jackson Mlokozi
Zanzibar U15 1-1 South Sudan U15 (4-2 after penalties)
Zanzibar U15 Starting XI – Mahir Amour (GK), Ashraf Othman, Mwinyi Hassan, Abdulnasir Makarani, Adam Shaaban, Lukman Omar, Saleh Mbarouk, Abdulhafidh Salmin, Mohamed Mohamed (C), Hussein Mbegu, Hassan Iddi
Substitutes – Nassir Hassan, Mohamed Shaaban, Abdulbasit Abdulrahman, Mohamed Nassor, Abdallah Mohd, Khamis Mbarouk, Fahad Khamis, Fahad Hassan, Fasbir Ramadan
South Sudan U15 Starting XI – Daniel Lombe, Jordan Majak, Ismail Mansuk, Samuel Eyi, Ajo Lomoro, Lazarus Peter George Laku C), Louis Domiano, Anur Loburo, Victor Elizaya, Emmanuel Seberino, Rewde Ngoan
Substitutes – Emmauel Eyi, Felix Marial, Daniel Garang, David Amule, Emmanuel Kennedy, Sebit Hoth, Marko Musa, David Biel, Said Kwongo
A total of seven goals were scored today at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru as Somalia faced Zanzibar while Rwanda faced Tanzania.
The first match of the day ended 4-0 in favour of Zanzibar against Somalia. Mohamed Nassor scored before the halftime mark while Saleh Mbarouk, Lukman Omar and Hussein Mbegu added more goals before the full-time whistle was blown.
In the second match of the day, Tanzania saw off Rwanda in a match that ended 2-1.
Peter Arbogasti scored a brace for Tanzania while Patrick Niyongabo pulled one back for Rwanda before the full-time whistle was blown.
Pictorial
Somalia U15 0-4 Zanzibar U15
Somalia U15 Starting XI – Idris Adow (GK), Anas Abdi, Abdikarim Ali, Abdifitah Abdi, Abdirahman Abdi, Mohamed Abdi, Abdikarim Hussein, Abdiwahab Ahmed, Abdikadir Tahlil, Bakar Gacal, Sadam Hassan
Substitutes – Abdinasir Yusuf, Mohamed Mohamed, Azil Farah, Mohamud Mohamud, Mohmed Abdulle, Amin Ahmed, Ayub Mohamed, Ilyas Mohamed, Mohamed Hussein
Head Coach – Abdriahaman Ahmed Abdi
Zanzibar U15 Starting XI – Mahir Amour, Ashraf Othman, Mwinyi Hassan, Abdulnasir Makarani, Abdulbasit Abdulrahman, Lukman Omar, Mohamed Nassor, Saleh Mbarouk, Mohamed Mohamed (C), Fahad khamis, Hussein Mbegu
Substitutes – Nassir Hassan, Mohamed Shaaban, Adam Shaaban, Abdallah Mohd, Khamis Mbarouk, Abdulhafidh Salmin, Fahad Hassan, Hassan Iddi, Fasbir Ramadhan
Head Coach – Mohamed Mrishona Mohamed
Rwanda U15 1-2 Tanzania U15
Rwanda U15 Starting XI – Nsengumuremyi Alfa (GK), Akonkwa Cyuzuzo Isiaka, Irumva Nerson, Ishimwe Elie (C), Tuyishimire Gilbert, Niyongabo Patrick, Gisubizo Patrick, Shema Niyongabo Ally, Nshimiyimana Obed, Ishimwe Fred, Irakunda Patrick.
Substitutes – Niyonkuru Kharidi Nasri, Niyonzima Humudi, Dushime Jeam Claude, Hategekimana Abdouladhim, Ntwari Akbar Lamar, Mugisha Jean De Dieu
Head Coach – Habimana Sosthene
Tanzania U15 Starting XI – Abrahman Nassoro (GK), Mohammed Omar, Kassim Juma, Hassan Bandya, Pius John, Feisal Juma, Mohammed Shilla, Athumani Salumu, Peter Arbogasti, Jaffari Mwanyemba, Kaniki Seleman.
Substitutes – Laurence Agostino, Hamisi Hamisi, Dominick Mgeluwa, Mshenga Bakari, Mark Khamsini, Mohammed Hassan, Abel Samson, Nesto Samuel, Jackson Mlokozi
Head Coach – Maalim Swalehe Mohamed
Matchday two of the CECAFA U15 Boys Championship 2023 saw Djibouti get a second consecutive loss and hosts ease past stubborn South Sudan.
During the first match between Djibouti and Ethiopia, goals from Yihun Gebremariam, Muetesimbillah Walelign and Mesfin Basa saw the visiting side go three up against the home side in the first half.
At full-time, the scoreline read 1-8 in favour of Ethiopia. Oda Kedir, Natnael Lerango, Alex Daro, and Mesfin Basa saw the back of the net for the visiting side.
The consolation goal for Djibouti was scored by Abdi-Sadik Ali in the 61st minute.
The second match of the day saw the Uganda Rhinos face South Sudan in a match that ended 3-0 in favour of the hosts.
The neighbours from the North proved hard to crack in the first half as the scoreline read 0-0.
Frank Ssekanjako, Enock Bagenda and Abdulshakur Babi scored in the second half to give Uganda U15 a second consecutive win.
Pictorial
Djibouti U15 1-8 Ethiopia U15
Djibouti U15 Starting XI – Mohamed Mousa (GK), Arafat Omar, Hassan Dihod, Mohamed Osman, Ahmed Hassan, Houssein Mohamed, Mahad Osman, Miad Fourreh,Abdi-Sadik Ali, Mohamed Mohamed, Bilal Hassan.
Substitutes – Houssein Omar, Ali Yonis, Aboubaker Gouleh, Abdo Hassan, Houssein Mahamoud, Sahal Kayad, Gouled Ismael, Abdimaguid Moussa.
Head Coach – Ashu Syprian Besonfg
Ethiopia Starting XI – Bereket Mezgebu (GK), Mesfin Basa, Abinet Data, Mikias Bonija, Efirem Tingo, Kidus Tewolde, Muetesimbillah Walelign, Yihun Gebremariam, Yeabsira Mingistu, Amar Abadura, Oda Kedir.
Substitutes – Nazrawi Ajebo, Fitsum Belachew, Alex Daro, Yeabsira Tesfaye, Kalid Mohammed, Natnael Lerango, Berekit Diko, Remedan Mohamed, Kinfemikael Mulatu, Mihiret Gebreyohanes, Temesgen Tadesse.
Head Coach – Jalloh Musa Akeem
South Sudan U15 0-3 Uganda Rhinos (U15)
South Sudan U15 Starting XI – Daniel Lombe (GK), Jordan Majak, Samuel Eyi, Felix Marial, Ajo Lomoro, Lazaras Peter George Laku (C), Louis Domiano, Sebit Hoth, Anur Loburo, Victor Elizaya, Emmauel Seberino
Substitutes – Emmauel Eyi, Daniel Garang, David Amule, Emmanuel Kennedy, Marko Musa, Said Kwongo, Rewde Ngoan, Thomas Bol
Head Coach – Nasir Yousif Hassen Bakit (SSD)
Uganda U15 Starting XI – Edrisah Waibi (GK), Samuel Mubiru, Ratib Gulanyago, Frank Ssekanjako, Abubakali Walusimbi (C), Simon Wanyama, Arafat Nkoola, Pius Oyiwroth, Ibra Ssebagala, Ronald Kigoye, Enock Bagenda.
Substitutes – Ashraf Lukyamuzi, Moses Kalule, Tom Ssesaazi, Musa Akbar, Richard Okello, Owen Mukisa, Joseph Langol, Thomas Ogema, Abdulshakur Babi
Head Coach – Hamuza Lutalo
Match day 1 of the ongoing CECAFA U15 Boys Championship 2023 at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru came to an end today with Zanzibar overcoming Rwanda and Somalia succumbing to Tanzania.
Mwinyi Hassan scored for Zanzibar in the ninth minute to give them the lead against Rwanda in the first half. During the second half, Mohamed Nassor and Lukman Omar sealed the win for Zanzibar.
In the late kick-off, Kaniki Seleman scored Tanzania’s lone goal securing the three points against Somalia.
Match Day 1 Results
PICTORIAL
Zanzibar U15 3-0 Rwanda U15
Zanzibar U15 Starting XI: Omar Faki (GK) 18, Ashraf Othman 2, Mohamed Shaaban 3, Mwinyi Hassan 4, Abdulnasir Makarani 5, Lukman Omar 9, Saleh Mbarouk 11, Abdulhafidh Salmin 14, Mohamed Mohamed 15, Fahad Khamis 16, Fasbir Ramadhan 22
Substitutes: Abdulbasit Abdulrahman 7, Adam Shaaban 8, Mohamed Nassor 10, Abdallah Mohd 12, Khamis Mbarouk 13, Fahad Hassan 17, Hussein Mbegu 19, Mahir Amour 20, Hassan Iddi 21
Rwanda U15 Starting XI: Nsengumuremyi Alfa (GK) 1, Akonkwa Cyuzuzo Isiaka 5, Ishimwe Elie 7, Dushime Jean Claude 8, Hategekimana Abdouladim 9, Ntwari Akbar Lamar 10, Niyongabo Patrick 12, Gisubizo Patrick 14, Shema Niyongabo Ally 17, Nshimiyimana Obed 19, Ishimwe Fred 20
Substitutes: Niyonkuru Khardi Nasri 3, Niyonzima Humudi 4, Irumva Nerson 6, Tuyishimire Gilbert 11, Mugisha Jean De Dieu 18, Iradukunda Patrick 22
Tanzania U15 1-0 Somalia U15
Tanzania U15 Starting XI: Abrahman Nassoro (GK) 1, Mohammed Omar 2, Kassim Juma 3, Hassan Bandya 4, Pius John 4, Feisal Juma 6, Mohammed Shilla 7, Laurence Agostino 8, Hamisi Hamisi 9, Athumani Salumu 10, Peter Arbogasti 11
Subsitutes: Dominick Mgeluwa 12, Mshenga Bakari 13, Jaffari Mwanyemba 14, Mark Khamsini 15, Mohammed Hassan 17, Kaniki Seleman 19, Abel Samson 20, Nesto Samuel 21, Jackson Mlokozi 23
Somalia U15 Starting XI: Idiris Adow (GK) 1, Anas Abdi 2, Abdikarim Ali 3, Abdifitah Abdi 4, Abdirahman Abdi 5, Mohamed Abdi 7, Abdikarim Hussein 8, Abdiwahab Ahmed 14, Abdikadir Tahlil 18, Bakar Gacal 21, Sadam Hassan 22
Substitutes: Abdinasir Yusuf 6, Ise Ahmed 9, Mohamed Mohamed 10, Azil Farah 11, Mohmed Abdulle 15, Zakeria Jamule 17, Ayub Mohamed 19, Ilyas Mohamed 20, Mohamed Hussein 23
The CECAFA U15 Boys Championship got underway today at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, as Group A teams faced off.
Ethiopia U15 picked up a draw against South Sudan U15 despite the latter opening the score through Lazarus Peter George Laku in the fifth minute.
Kidus Dawit Tewolde equalised for the home side in the fifteenth minute through a spot kick.
Uganda Rhinos (U15) played against Djibouti U15 in a fifteen-goal thriller.
Abubakali Walusimbi, Enock Bagenda, Richard Okello and Frank Ssekanjako scored six goals to send the boys flying during the first half. In the second half, Enock Bagenda, Richard Okello, Abubakali Walusimbi, Owen Mukisa, Simon Wanyama and Ronald Kigoye sealed the victory for the hosts.
The Historical FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim watched the match in the company of Executive Committee members Rogers Mulindwa and Issa Magoola and Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson.
Pictorial
Ethiopia U15 1-1 South Sudan U15
Ethiopia U15 Starting XI: Bereket Markos Mezgebu (GK) 1, Mesfin Mala Basa 2, Abinet Markos Data 3, Mikas Alemayehu Bonija 5, Efirem Areba Tingo 6, Kidus Dawit Tewolde 8, Alex Dube Daro 9, Muetesimbillah Fasil Walelign 10, Yeabsira Asnake Mengistu 13, Amar Ahmed Abadura 16
Substitutes: Nazrawi Ajebo 4, Fitsum Belachew 7, Yihun Gebremariam 12, Kalid Mohammed 14, Natnael Lerango 15, Oda Kedir 17, Bereket Diko 18, Mihiret Gebreyohanes 22
South Sudan U15 Starting XI: Daniel Simbe Stephen Lombe (GK) 1, Ismail Remo Sampuli Mansuk 3, Samuel Redento Kuro Eyi 4, Felix Obama Marial 6, Ajo Minari Alex Lomoro 8, Lazaras Peter Louis Domiano 11, Rwothomio Innocent Odong Odong 12, Anur Hassan Loburo 15, Emmanuel Nadir Adil Seberino 20, Rewde Miliah Pitnyang Ngoan 21
Substitutes: Jordan Majak 2, Emmanuel Eyi 5, Daniel Garang 7, David Amule 9, Sebit Hoth 14, Marko Musa 16, David Biel 17, Victor Elizaya 18, Said Kwongo 19
Uganda Rhinos 15-0 Djibouti U15
Uganda Rhinos (U15) Starting XI: Ashraf Lukyamuzi (GK) 1, Samuel Mubiru 5, Ratib Gulanyago 6, Frank Ssekanjako 7, Abubakali Walusimbi 8, Richard Okello 11, Pius Oyirwoth 12, Ibra Ssebagala 15, Ronald Kigoye 16, Enock Bagenda 20, Thomas Ogema 22
Substitutes: Moses Kalule 2, Tom Ssesaazi 3, Simon Wanyama 9, Arafat Nkoola 10, Owen Mukisa 13, Joseph Langol 14, Micheal Kyeyune 17, Ashiraf Maseruka 19, Abdulshakur Babi 23
Djibouti U15 Starting XI: Mohamed Moussa (GK) 1, Arafat Omar 2, Hassan Dihod 3, Mohamed Osman 4, Ali Yonis 6, Aboubakar Gouleh 7, Mahad Osman 10, Miad Fourreh 11, Abdi-Sadik Ali 13, Mohamed Mohamed 16, Bilal Hassan 20
Substitutes: Houssein Omar 5, Ahmed Hassan 8, Houssein Mohamed 9, Arafat Houmed 12, Abdo Hassan 14, Houssein Mahamoud 15, Sahal Kayad 17, Gouled Ismael 18, Abdimaguid Moussa 19
The 2023 CECAFA U15 Championship starts tomorrow November 4th and will run for two weeks.
Speaking to the media this evening, the Head Coach Hamza Lutalo expressed readiness after spending enough time in the camp.
We are ready because we have taken long in the camp and everyone is okay. We currently don’t have any injury and I believe the boys will give their 100%.
Hamza Lutalo, Head Coach
Final squad
Uganda is pooled in group A alongside Ethiopia, Djibouti and South Sudan.
Group A: Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan
Group B: Tanzania, Zanzibar, Somalia, Rwanda
Last Training Pictorial
With only three days to start of the 2023 CECAFA U15 Championship, defending Champions and hosts for this year’s edition have expressed readiness to retain the crown.
It should be noted that Uganda won the inaugural edition held in 2019 in Asmara, Eritrea.
On Tuesday, CECAFA confirmed draws for the two groups where eight teams will be taking part.
Uganda is pooled in group A alongside Ethiopia, Djibouti and South Sudan.
Head coach Hamuza Lutalo is confident the preparations his charges have had in the past days will enable Uganda to achieve its target of defending the title.
“We have prepared very well for this Championship and I believe the players will be able to put up good performances for us to retain the trophy. We are developing talent and at the same time want to perform our best with the young boys. The entire team is in good shape and ready for the tournament.” He stated.
“We expect stiff competition from all the teams but the players are aware of the task ahead because this tournament will help us to prepare for AFCON U-17 Zonal Qualifiers next year.” The coach added.
Uganda Rhinos will open the tournament against Djibouti at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Saturday.
The Championship will run from 4th to 16th November 2023.
Group A: Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan
Group B: Tanzania, Zanzibar, Somalia, Rwanda
JKT Queens FC are the winners of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers 2023.
The Tanzanian outfit defeated Ethiopia’s CBE FC in the final of the Zonal Qualifiers played on Wednesday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The closing ceremony was graced by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, Her Excellency the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda Estenet Bezabone Yimenu, CECAFA EXCO member Madam Petra Dorris and Vice President of the Tanzania Football Federation Steven Mnguto.
In a closely contested final, there was no outlet after normal time and thus extra time was considered.
Even after the extra 30 minutes, the scoreline remained goalless and the game had to be decided on kicks from the penalty mark.
CBE FC will have to rue the numerous chances missed before the shootout with captain Loza Abera, Aregash Tadesse and Median Awol Busser all getting one on one situations with goalkeeper Najiat Abass Idrisa at different intervals.
In the tense shootout, JKT Queens were perfect converting all their takes through Donisia Minja, Esther Mabanza, Antony Anastazia Katunzi, Winifrida Gerald and Happyness Hezron Mwaipaja.
On the other hand, Loza Abera, Aregash Tadesse, Emebet Asfaw and Nardos Getenet scored but Mesay Temesgen’s effort was saved and thus JKT Queens had to win 5-4.
JKT Queens FC will therefore represent East Africa at the final tournament in Ivory Coast in November this year.
Situmai Abdallah from JKT Queens FC was named the Most Valuable Player while Najiat Abass Idrisa and Fazila Ikwaput from JKT Queens FC and Kampala Queens FC were named best goalkeeper and top scorer respectively.
Hosts Kampala Queens FC were named the Fair Play team of the tournament.
CBE FC took home silver medals while BUJA Queens FC from Burundi FC defeated Kenya’s Vihiga Queens FC 1-0 to take the third place.
Awards
Winners – JKT Queens FC (Tanzania)
Runners Up – CBE FC (Ethiopia)
Second Runners Up – BUJA Queens FC (Burundi)
MVP – Situmai Abdallah (JKT Queens FC)
Top Scorer – Fazila Ikwaput (Kampala Queens FC) -8 Goals
Fair Play Award – Kampala Queens FC (Uganda)
Best Goalkeeper – Najiat Abass Idrisa (JKT Queens FC)
The final for this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers is confirmed following the semifinal games on Sunday.
In the games played at FUFA Technical Centre,Njeru, CBE FC from Ethiopia and JKT Queens FC of Tanzania secured slots in the final.
JKT Queens overcome BUJA Queens in a fiercely contested game while CBE had to score a late equalizer and score the winner in extra time to reach the final.
The first game of the day was physical and JKT Queens had to come from a goal down to win 3-1.
Toepistar Situma fired BUJA Queens in the lead just eleven minutes after kickoff.
They had several chances and actually could have killed off the game at halftime lacked efficiency in front of goal.
The game eventually changed after recess and JKT Queens were dominant.
Goals from Abdallah Stumai, Donisia Minja and Gerald Winifrida meant the Tanzanian outfit stormed the final.
In the second semifinal, Vihiga Queens had to rue the numerous chances wasted especially in the first half.
Bertha Omita scored ten minutes into the second half but the Ethiopians were able to find a stoppage time equalizer through captain Loza Abera to send the game into extra time.
With renewed energy, CBE FC went ahead to find the winner five minutes into extra time with Aregash Tadesse scoring a wonderful goal.
The final between CBE FC and JKT Queens FC will be played on Wednesday next week but this will be preceded by a third place playoff between Vihiga Queens FC and BUJA Queens FC.
The group stage of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers successfully came to a climax on Thursday with two fixtures from Group A.
The games played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru confirmed the last two semifinalists.
CBE FC from Ethiopia and BUJA Queens FC from Burundi won their respective final group game to secure progress to the last four.
In the first game, CBE FC made light work of Yei Joint Stars FC from South Sudan, winning the game 4-0.
Ariet Odong and captain Loza Abera scored in the first half before Senayt Bogale and substitute Mesay Temsegen added a goal each in the second half.
The win meant, CBE FC finished top of Group A on ten points from four games.
BUJA Queens FC had to dig deep to edge resilient FAD FC from Djibouti. The game looked easy on paper but the latter put up a remarkable performance to frustrate the Burundi outfit.
It took 74 minutes for defender Ruth Ingosi to break the deadlock and fire BUJA Queens into the lead.
FAD FC however did not give up and found the equalizer, five minutes from time though Nadia Nour.
However, their delight lasted only three minutes before Teopistar Situma found the winner for BUJA Queens FC.
The win saw them take the second place with nine points, two above hosts Kampala Queens FC.
BUJA Queens FC and CBE FC therefore join Vihiga Queens FC and JKT Queens FC from Group A as the semifinalists.
JKT Queens from Tanzania topped Group A with nine points and will face BUJA Queens FC while Vihiga Queens FC who settled for second place will take on Group A leaders CBE FC.
The semifinal games will be played on Sunday while the final will be played on Wednesday next week.
It should be noted that the Champion will represent CECAFA region at the finals of this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League in Ivory Coast later this year.
Vihiga Queens FC from Kenya and JKT Queens of Tanzania are through to the semifinals of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers following their victories on Wednesday.
The aforementioned teams came into matchday two having won their first group games ans victory meant they would secure knockout slots.
Coincidentally, both won with an identical result of 1-0 with Vihiga Queens edging AS Kigali FC while JKT Queens defeated New Generation FC from Zanzibar.
In the first game of the day played at MTN-Omondi Stadium, Esther Mabanza’s 56th minute goal proved the difference.
New Gener stepped up efforts in a bid to chance the game but the Tanzanian outfit defended resiliently to take all three points.
In the other game, Bertha Omita struck home the all important goal in the 36th minute to guide Vihiga Queens past Rwanda’s AS Kigali.
Vihiga Queens FC top Group B on goal difference but level on points (6) with JKT Queens FC.
The two will face off on Saturday to determine who ends as the group leader.
AS Kigali FC and New Generation FC have no point yet and will face off in the final matchday to determine positions three and four in Group B.
Matchday Two of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers began on Tuesday with two exciting games.
In the Group A games played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, BUJA Queens edged Kampala Queens while Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) obliterated FAD FC from Djibouti.
The first game game saw hosts Kampala Queens get stunned by Burundi’s BUJA Queens who won 2-1.
Teopistar Situma scored a goal in either half to single handedly guide BUJA Queens to their first win.
The consolation for the Queens of Soccer came from substitute Elizabeth Nakigozi in the 83rd minute but it was a little too late for the hosts to stage a comeback.
The result means both BUJA Queens and Kampala Queens are level on three points while CBE lead the table on six points.
CBE defeated FAD with an 8-0 win thanks to goals from Senafu Wakuma (brace), Ariet Odong (brace), Aregash Tadesse, Loza Abera, Birra Etsegenet and Nardos Getenet.
Games in Group A will resume on Friday with Yei Joint Stars taking on FAD FC while CBE FC will face Kampala Queens FC.
Group B will have matchday two games played on Wednesday at MTN-Omondi Stadium,Lugogo with AS Kigali playing Vihiga Queens while New Generation FC will face JKT Queens.
Vihiga Queens and JKT Queens from Kenya and Tanzania respectively began their journey at this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers with victory.
The aforementioned teams secured maximum points in the Group B games of the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers played at MTN-Omondi Stadium on Sunday.
Coincidentally, both teams had to come from a goal down to secure victory.
In the first game, Vihiga Queens had to overcome an early scare from Zanzibar’s New Generation to win 3-1.
Amina Hemed put New Generation into the lead 14 minutes after kickoff. She rounded off goalkeeper Ruth Aturo before firing into an empty net.
Vihiga Queens however found the equalizer through Winnie Babirye in the 34th minute.
The Kenyan Champions scored twice in the second half with goal coming from Ruth Kashoka and a penalty by Martha Amunyolet.
In the second game, JKT Queens won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Abdallah Athuman Situma and Ally Bilali Donisia.
Diane Nyirandagimana’s early goal for AS Kigali eventually settled for a consolation goal.
Action in Group B will resume on Wednesday with JKT Queens playing New Generation while AS Kigali will face Vihiga Queens FC.
The CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers for the CECAFA region officially got underway on Saturday with Group A action at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Hosts Kampala Queens FC made their intentions clear by demolishing Yei Joint Stars FC in one of the Group A games played.
The Queens of Soccer had striker Fazila Ikwaput to thank on the day, she scored all the three goals to guide them to a 3-0 win.
Ikwaput opened the scores in the 13th minute with a left footed effort.
She went ahead to get her second on the day moments later and Kampala Queens led 2-0 going into the break.
The lethal forward completed her hat trick in the 67th minute reacting quickest to fire home after Yei’s goalkeeper had saved an initial effort from Shamirah Nalugya.
The win gives Kampala Queens an early lead in Group A with a better goal difference ahead of second placed Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) who won 2-1 against Burundi’s BUJA Queens.
In the opening game of the tournament, CBE had to come from a goal down to secure all three points.
Kenyan forward Teopistar Situma gave BUJA Queens an early lead, scoring in the tenth minute.
However, a rejuvenated performance in the second half saw CBE overturn the game.
Aregash Tadesse found the equaliser before captain Loza Abera got the winning goal 16 minutes from time.
Action in Group A will resume on Tuesday next week with Kampala Queens playing BUJA Queens while FAD FC from Djibouti will take on CBE FC.
Group B that is hosted at MTN Omondi Stadium will start on Sunday with Vihiga Queens from Kenya taking Zanzibar’s New Generation FC while AS Kigali will play Tanzania’s JKT FC.
Uganda U18 Women’s National Team settled for second place at CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship that came to an end on Friday at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The 1-0 loss to Tanzania on the final day consequently meant the title went to the hosts with Uganda coming second.
Despite failure to clinch the trophy, head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi moves out of the tournament with his head high given the several positives registered.
“It is disappointing that we could not finish on a high. Our target was definitely to win the Championship,” he started.
“However, I am proud of the work we have done here. I’m grateful to the players who kept improving every other game.”
The coach also adds that the tournament has helped to inject more minutes into the legs of players ahead of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
“The main intention to play here was to prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers that will come later this year. I believe the players have benefited a lot and hopefully, we will continue to make progress.” He indicted.
It should be noted that the inaugural CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship had five teams namely Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Burundi and Zanzibar competing in a round robin format.
The team is expected to return to the country on Sunday.
Uganda U18 Women’s National Team will be going for honours as they take on hosts Tanzania on the final day of the CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship.
The two nations come into Friday’s game level on points, having won all their three games played so far.
However, Uganda has a slight advantage with goal difference having scored eleven goals compared to Tanzania’s six.
Therefore, a draw can be enough to see Uganda over the line but coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi indicates his charges are going for all three points.
“We are not coming to fight for a point but three. We know what is at stake but all our focus is geared towards winning the final game.” He said.
Kiyingi believes either side has the ability to take the day but he is oozing with confidence that his troops will execute the work at hand.
“Tanzania is a good team and they will definitely have home support but I know my girls are focused and ready for the battle.”
Uganda opened the tournament with a 1-0 win over Ethiopia, defeated Zanzibar 3-0 in the second game before obliterating Burundi 7-0 in the penultimate game.
Uganda U18 Women National Team will go into Tuesday’s game against Burundi seeking to keep their brilliant run so far.
The Junior team has registered two wins in as many games and victory against Burundi tomorrow will set up a title decider against hosts Tanzania in the final game.
It should be noted that Tanzania has won three games and their final game is against Uganda on Friday.
Therefore, the onus is Uganda to keep within the title path and head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi is well aware of the permutations.
“We have rested enough since we last played and this has given us enough time to work on the grey areas. Therefore, as we go into the game against Burundi, we hope for the best because victory gives us a chance to go into the final game against Tanzania with fate in our hands.” He said.
Kiyingi also states that they have tried to work on the mentality of the players so that they remain focused.
“Staying in one place for a longtime brings mental fatigue but we have tried to keep the players focused on our mission and they have so far responded positively.”
Uganda opened her campaign with a 1-0 win over Ethiopia before securing a 3-0 victory against Zanzibar.
With two games to play, the target for the team is to win the Championship and that means winning both games.