Category: CECAFA

FUFA Women Super League Champions, She Corporate will begin their quest for the sole ticket to the continental finals of the CAF Women Champions league against Yei Joint Stars of South Sudan when Champions of the different CECAFA nations meet and face off mid next month.

In the draws conducted on Wednesday 20th July 2022 in the Moroccan Capital, Rabat,
the Champions of Uganda were pitted in the same group (B) with hosts Simba Queens, GRFC of Djibouti, Yei Joint Stars of South Sudan.

The CAF Zonal draws 2022/2023 were conducted at the Mohammed VI Sports complex auditorium.

Simba Queens and Yei Joint Stars featured in the first edition of the CECAFA regional held in Nairobi, Kenya last year’s where the ladies from Tanzania finished 4th after losing the 3rd place play off 2-1 to Lady Doves of Uganda while their counterparts from South Sudan didn’t make it out of the group.

The two best side in each of the two groups will advance to form semifinal match ups that will determine the finalists and winners at the end.

This year’s edition is slated to kick off on August 13th in Dar es Salaam and end on 28th, 2022 with the eventual winner automatically booking a berth in the continental finals to be hosted in Morocco later this year.

She Corporates have been on a recruitment spree to bolster the side that beat Kampala
Queens in the tight run to the title on the final match day on just goal difference with the acquisition of former UCU left back Phoebe Banura, FUFA Women Elite League 2022 season golden glove winner Zahara Nankya from She Mak and attackers Joanita Ainembabazi from Rines SS WFC and Anita Namata from Uganda Martyrs Lubaga.

Full Draws

Group A
CBE (ETH)
Warrior Queens (Zanzibar)
Fofila PF (BDI)
AS Kigali (RWA)

Group B
Simba Queens (TZ)
GRFC (DJI)
She Corporate (UGA)
Yei Joint Stars (SSD)

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022

Semi-finals

Uganda 1-0 Ethiopia (After Extra Time)

Burundi 2-1 Tanzania

Fazila Ikwaput was the heroine for Uganda as the Crested Cranes overpowered Ethiopia to storm the final of the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022 on Thursday.

The lethal forward scored the decisive goal of the game in extra time (115^th minute) in a closely contested semi-final encounter played at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Despite getting numerous scoring opportunities Uganda failed to take away any during normal time with Ethiopia equally having chances on the other hand.

The Crested Cranes were unfortunate in some occasions, hitting the crossbar four times in the same game.

Uganda started the better side creating chance after chance with Sandra Nabweteme’s attempt in the 13^th minute ricocheting off the upright.

Shamirah Nalugya too came close in the opening stanza but she was also left disappointed with her strike within the area bouncing off the upright.

Coach Lutalo was forced to make a change midway the first half when defender Aisha Nantongo was stretchered off. She was replaced by Lukia Namubiru who was making her debut.

The other changes saw Lilian Mutuuzo, Phiona Nabbumba and Sheebah Zalwango all coming on for Nalugya, Joan Nabirye and Margaret Kunihira.

With five minutes to the end of extra time, Uganda got a corner that was delivered by skipper Hasifah Nassuna. Her good deliverance was perfectly met by Ikwpaut in the area who scored on the volley to send the fans into wild celebrations.

Uganda will therefore meet Burundi in the final after the latter came from behind to win 2-1. Opa Clement gave Tanzania the lead in the first minute but goals from captain Aisha Djafari and Sandra Niyonkuru guided to Burundi to their first final. The two will face off on Saturday.

It should be noted that Burundi and Uganda faced off in the Group stages with the Crested Cranes winning 4-1.

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022
Group|Matchday 3
Tanzania 12-0 Zanzibar
Ethiopia 4-0 South Sudan

Ethiopia and Tanzania completed the semifinal puzzle at the ongoing CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship after winning their respective final group B games on Monday.

The Lucy who played against South Sudan at Kyabazinga Stadium won 4-0 to finish second in group B.

Aregash Kalsa Tadesse was the star for Ethiopia against South Sudan bagging a hat trick on the day.

The other goal for Ethiopia was scored by skipper Loza Abera Geinore who converted from the spot.

Despite winning, Ethiopia only settled for second place with Tanzania getting ahead of them on goal difference.

Tanzania brushed aside Zanzibar, winning 12-0 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Opa Clement scored four goals while Omary Mwanahamisi came through with hat trick in the one sided affair.

Ester Mabanza, Protasia Mbunda, Diana Lucas Msewa, Janeth Pangamwene and Enekia Kasonga Lunyamila scored a goal each to complete the damage.

The semifinals therefore will have Tanzania facing Burundi while hosts Uganda will take on Ethiopia on Thursday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022
Group B|Matchday 3
Tanzania 12-0 Zanzibar
Ethiopia 4-0 South Sudan

Tanzania marched to the semifinals of the 2022 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship in style after thumping neighbours Zanzibar in the final group B game played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on Monday.

The Twiga Stars registered a 12-0 win, the biggest at the tournament to sail through to the last four.

Opa Clement led the way bagging four goals while veteran forward Omary Mwanahamisi came through with hat trick in the one sided affair.

Ester Mabanza, Protasia Mbunda, Diana Lucas Msewa, Janeth Pangamwene and Enekia Kasonga Lunyamila scored a goal each.

Victory meant Tanzania qualified as group B leaders with 7 points same as second placed Ethiopia but the former had better goal difference.

Tanzania ended the group stage with 14 goals scored and 2 conceded while Ethiopia finished with 11 goals, shipping in two goals.

Ethiopia won 4-0 South Sudan at Kyabazinga Stadium but it wasn’t enough to displace Tanzania from the top spot.

Aregash Kalsa Tadesse scored a hat trick to compliment skipper Loza Abera’s goal from spot.

South Sudan missed a penalty at the death of the game with captain Amy Lasu failing to convert a penalty.

The semifinals therefore will have Tanzania facing Burundi while hosts Uganda will take on Ethiopia on Thursday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022

Group A

Rwanda 2-0 Djibouti

Rwanda ended their expedition at the 2022 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship with a win over Djibouti on Sunday.

Despite failing to progress to the semifinals, Rwanda had something to smile about, securing a 2-0 win in the game played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

Anne Marie Ibangarye and Lydia Uzayisenza scored a goal apiece in the opening stanza.

Djibouti lost but won hearts from the fans that braved the rains to watch the game. They were an improved side from the previous games against Uganda and Burundi.

The first goal for Rwanda came in the 11^th minute with Uzayisenza sending a ferocious strike jut outside the area.

Ten minutes later, Ibangarye got the second goal  with a simple finish from close range.

Djibouti too had attempts at goal but lacked the effectiveness to at least get their first at the tournament.

Rwanda finish the Championship in third place on 3 points while Djibouti finish bottom with no point and goal registered.

Rwanda Starting XI

Claudine Itangishaka (GK), Lydia Uzayisenza, Constance Muhawenimana, Loiuse Maniraguha, Jeanette Mukeshimana, Libellee Nibagwire, Anne Marie Ibangarye, Joselyne Mukatanganira, Nadine Mukandayisenga, Callixte Iradukunda, Zawadi Usanase

Djibouti Starting XI

Taslim Houssein Abdillahi (GK), Said Abdillahi Neima, Douhour Djama Ilham, Mohamed Awad Yousra, Aden Moustapha Rahma, Anab Hassan Daher, Nadia Nour, Arab Kafia, Sikieh Abdou Lerman, Abdillahi Hibo, Issa Mohamed Ferouze

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship

Group B|Matchday Two

Ethiopia 2-2 Tanzania

Tanzania needed to fight back on two occasions to salvage a point against Ethiopia in their second group game at the ongoing CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship.

In a thrilling encounter played on Saturday at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, Ethiopia squandered their lead twice.

Loza Abera and Mesay Temesgen Tanga scored for Ethiopia while Opa Clement and Enekia Kasonga Lunyamila got the goals for Tanzania.

Abera fired Ethiopia into an early lead, scoring as early as the 8^th minute. She was quick to meet the ball before goalkeeper Yonah Gelwa who had moved off her line.

Tanzania had several chance to level matters but lacked sharpness in front of goal. It was Clement who found the equaliser in the 28^th minute capitalising on a mistake by defender Muso Hasabe.

Ethiopia once again regained their lead in the second stanza through Temesgen who made a run on the left wing before sending a low drive.

With 15 minute to play, Tanzania won a free kick about 40 yards from goal when Fatuma Issa Suleiman was fouled.

Defender Lunyamila went for full effort and her ferocious strike went straight into the back of the net.

The draw leaves both teams level on 4 points with Ethiopia on top due to goal difference. Tanzania will play Zanzibar in their final group game while Ethiopia will take on South Sudan on Moday.

Ethiopia Starting XI

Tarikua Bargena Balcha(GK), Yien Koak Nyabuonyi, Daniel Zekele Kidist, Muso Gila Hasabe, Matios Rediet Assresahagn, Loza Abera Geinore, Nardos Getenet Mekonnen, Mesay Temesgen Tanga, Ariet Odong Ojho, Meadin Sehilu Amdeu

Tanzania Starting XI

Yonah Gelwa(GK), Amina Ally Bilali, Fatuma Issa Suleimani, Protasia Mbunda, Omar Mwanahamisi, Opa Clement, Diana Lucas Msewa, Julithia Singano, Enekia Kasonga Lunyamila, Irene Elias Kisisa, Esther Mabanza

FUFA President to Uganda U-20 Women team: Let’s rise up again

FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has called upon the entire Uganda U-20 Women’s Contingent to plan on how to rise up again following events at the FUFA Technical Centre that saw the hosts surrender a healthy 2-0 half time lead to lose the title to Ethiopia. Uganda needed just a draw to lift the inaugural CECAFA U-20 Women’s cup and headed into the final match of the evening on top of the table but the tide changes from better to worse as they conceded three second half goals to hand Ethiopia the win and the title on home soil.

‘Let us go back and plan. We are proud of the efforts shown by the entire team during the tournament. FUFA is happy that this championship has helped the entire team to prepare by playing 5 matches ahead of the FIFA U20 Women world cup qualifiers’ said FUFA President who talked to the players in one of the corners of the pitch at Njeru.

‘We are hurt by the result as we had the control of the game but that is football. We can’t win all the time. We should rise up again and look to the future. Our team is strong enough to create more history’ added Magogo who also carried a big pack of chocolates. He also revealed that despite the loss, the bonus which had been put aside (1.5M) for each member of the contingent had they won the Cup, would still be given out.

Head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi speaks out

‘I think there is something I did not do right. It was not our day but that is football and everything is possible. I was so disappointed and I must say it was a disappointing result. It is hard to take in this result. It is unbelievable. I repeat it is unbelievable. We only needed a draw and led the first half by two goals only to be shocked in the second half by a team that strongly believed in what they wanted’ said Ayub Khalifan.

‘The girls lost concentration in the second half, that was the time we needed to hold our cool and control the game but instead, we lost track and we were severely punished. Everything happens for a reason. We have to stand up as soon as possible and not take long lamenting on what happened. We have to pick positives from the tournament and move forward.

Ethiopia are the winners of the inaugural CECAFA Women’s U-20 Championship.

The tournament played on a League format among the six teams and climaxed on Tuesday with Ethiopia coming out top with 15 points, while hosts Uganda finished second with 12 points.

Talk about late moments in sport and the Ethiopian team showed exactly that in the final deciding game against the hosts when they fought from two goals down and one player less after an early red card, but managed to win 3-2 at the FUFA technical Centre ground in Njeru.

Ethiopia’s first choice goalkeeper Lorato Eyerusalem was sent off after only six minutes for bringing down Uganda’s captain Fuazia Najjemba who was headed for goal. But Ethiopia’s head coach Firew Hailegebral made a tactical switch pulling out one player and bringing on second choice goalkeeper Demelash Banchayehu.

Hadijah Nandago gave Uganda the lead after 26 minutes with a well taken shot before skipper Fauzia Najjemba increased the lead after 40 minutes. Goalkeeper Banchayehu failed to get a firm grip of Najjemba’s freekick and the ball bounced into the net.

After recess and a pep talk by the coach and Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) President Esayas Jira, the Ethiopian team returned a different and determined side.

Ridet Assrasahang pulled one back for the Ethiopian team after 50 minutes.

Substitute Ariet Odong who came on and took control of Ethiopia’s attack leveled matters after 78 minutes with a well placed shot leaving Uganda’s goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga beaten.

Ethiopia’s head coach Firew Hailegebral was also sent off by the referee.

Despite being one player-less the Ethiopian team continued to dominate play and put the Ugandan defenders under a lot of pressure. With eight minutes to the final whistle Turist Lema slotted in Ethiopia’s third goal.

It was all celebrations after the final whistle as the Ethiopian players were so emotional that they cried in joy. “This has been a very tough game and I thank my team for remaining strong headed even after we got an early red card,” said Ethiopia’s coach Hailegebral after the match.

In an earlier match Burundi came from a goal down to beat Eritrea 2-1. Reha Tesfamichael netted after 2 minutes for Eritrea, but Stephie Mutoni and Peace Niyomwungere made sure Burundi picked maximum points.

Tanzania were also in good form humbling Djibouti 8-0. Aisha Masaka netted seven goals, while Clara Luvanga also got her name on the score sheet.

The top three teams received medals, and the best players were also rewarded. Uganda’s skipper Fauzia Najjemba who finished the tournament with 11 goals scooped the Top scorer’s Award. Uganda’s Daphine Nyayenga was voted Best goalkeeper, while Ethiopia’s Birkea Amare was the Best Player of the tournament.

Auka Gecheo, the CECAFA Executive Director said the tournament has been successful and helped teams that are still in contention in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers prepare well.

Additional info by CAF Website