Uganda, Burundi qualify for CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship final

The Uganda Crested Cranes and Burundi have qualified for the final of the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022.

Coach George William Lutalo’s side defeated a hard fighting Ethiopia team 1-0 with the goal scored in the 115th minute of extra time through Fazila Ikwaput.

The two teams created so many scoring opportunities in the 90 minutes, but the goalkeepers Daisy Nakaziro (Uganda) and Ethiopia’s Balcha Bargena Tarikua were up to the task.

Ethiopia’s skipper Geinore Abera Loza kept the Ugandan defenders busy, while Hassifah Nassuna and Ikwaput were also pivotal for the Uganda Crested Cranes pushing forward.

With five minutes to the end of the extra time Uganda’s captain Nassuna’s well taken corner kick was timed and slotted in by Ikwaput who took her goal tally in the tournament to five goals.

It was all celebrations after the final whistle as Ugandan fans cheered the team’s first appearance in a final of the Women’s Championship.

“This has been a tough encounter and I am happy that we have made it to the final. Ethiopia was a tough opponent, but am happy the team played their hearts out to win,” said Uganda’s Lutalo.

Burundi 2-1 Tanzania

The second semi final clash saw Burundi come from a goal down to win 2-1. The tournament’s leading scorer Opa Clement Tukumbuke put Tanzania ahead after only 28 seconds on the clock.

But the Burundi team battled back strongly to score through skipper Aisha Djafari and a second half penalty converted by Sandra Niyonkuru.

Tanzania’s coach Oscar Mirambo said it was a tough match and Burundi took their chances to win the match. “We played well and we shall prepare well to face Uganda in the final,” said Burundi’s assistant coach Belyse Ininahazwe.

The two teams that have reached the final, Burundi and Uganda are also using the Championship to prepare ahead of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 to take place in Morocco next month.