As part of their preparation for the upcoming 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July, Uganda hosted an eight-team CECAFA Women’s Championship.
Upon the climax of the tournament, the Crested Cranes of Uganda emerged the champions after defeating Burundi 3-1 at FUFA Technical Center, Njeru on Saturday.
Sandra Nabweteme scored a brace in the second and 91st minutes while the Cranes’ other goal was netted by Fazila Ikwaput in the 44th minute.
In scoring the Crested Cranes’ second goal, Ikwaput was netting her sixth goal of the campaign, she scored in all the five games her side played.
After the first half ended 2-0 in favor of Uganda, the Swallows of Burundi pulled a goal back through Joelle Bukuru in the 49th minute but could not add another, and instead it is the former that sealed it in stoppage time.
A 3-1 victory landed George Lutalo’s charges their first-ever CECAFA trophy during their first-ever final.
It was the second time that the Cranes were beating Burundi at this tournament having also beaten them 4-1 during the group stages in Group A.
The Crested Cranes the champions of CECAFA and Burundi had earlier qualified for the WAFCON and will both represent East Africa at the continental Women’s tournament in Morocco in July.
In the third-place playoff game played earlier on in the day, Ethiopia edged Tanzania 2-1 to finish third while the latter finished fourth.
How both teams lined up
Uganda: Daisy Nakaziro (GK), Asia Nakibuuka, Sumaya Komuntale, Margret Namirimu, Sandra Nabweteme, Fazila Ikwaput, Hassifah Nassuna ©, Joan Nabirye, Aisha Nantongo, Zainah Nandede, Shamirah Nalugya
Substitutes: Daphine Nyayenga (GK), Lukiya Namubiru, Margret Kunihira, Lilian Mutuuzo, Juliet Nalukenge, Phiona Nabbumba, Riticia Nabbosa, Sheebah Zalwango, Natasha Shirazi
Burundi: Amissa Inarukundo (GK), Diane Iradukunda, Charlotte Iradukunda, Peace Olga Niyomwungere, Aniella Uwimana, Suzanne Zilfa, Sandrine Niyonkuru, Asha Djafari ©, Angelique Keza, Rachelle Inyange, Joelle Bukuru
Substitutes: Belinda Ndoreraho (GK), Bora Ineza, Gloris Gakiza, Ariella Umurerwa, Nasra Nahimana, Rukiya Bizimana, Annociate Nshimirimana, Djazila Uwineza, Falonne Nahimana
