Crested Cranes fall to Kenya, exit CECAFA Women’s Championship title race
The loss ends Uganda’s hopes of defending the regional title they won in 2022. With just three points from three games, the Crested Cranes are now out of contention for a place in the final.
Courtesy photo
By Chrispus Baluku
Journalists @New Vision
CECAFA Women championship
Tuesday 17, June 2025.
Kenya 4 Uganda 0
Burundi 0 Tanzania 6
Uganda’s Crested Cranes suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Kenya’s Harambee Starlets in their third group match of the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship, played Tuesday evening at the Azam Complex in Chamazi.
The loss ends Uganda’s hopes of defending the regional title they won in 2022. With just three points from three games, the Crested Cranes are now out of contention for a place in the final.
Uganda started brightly, with Sylvia Kabene breaking through on goal in the 16th minute. However, instead of passing to an unmarked Shamirah Nalugya, Kabene opted to shoot and was denied by the Kenyan goalkeeper.
Kenya capitalized almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Diana Wacera headed in from close range to give the Harambee Starlets an 18th-minute lead. Uganda struggled to regroup, and in the 26th minute, Dorcas Sikobe doubled Kenya’s advantage with a well-placed shot. Two minutes later, Violet Nanjala made it 3-0, leaving Uganda reeling before the half-hour mark.
In an attempt to stabilize the midfield, Uganda’s coach Sheryl Botes made an early substitution, bringing on Latifah Nakasi for Jovia Nakagolo.
The Crested Cranes showed more resilience in the second half, tightening their defense and creating a few chances. However, Kenya sealed the win in the 80th minute with a fourth goal from Martha Emedot.
Uganda had earlier lost 1-0 to Burundi before bouncing back with a 5-0 win over South Sudan. But the defeat to Kenya has effectively ended their tournament campaign.
They will play their final group match against hosts Tanzania on Saturday evening, aiming to finish on a high note.
Elsewhere in the group, Tanzania thrashed Burundi 6-0 to move to the top of the standings. Kenya will face South Sudan in their final group game.
Lineups
Kenya: Lillian Awuor (GK), Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Sikobe, Enez Mango, Lavender Akinyi, Vivian Nasaka, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Diana Wacera, Violet Nanjala, Tumaini Waliaula.
Uganda: Lillian Nakirya (GK), Zainah Nandede, Dorcus Lwalisa, Jamilah Nabulime, Desire Katisi Natooro, Shamirah Nalugya, Zainah Namuleme, Jolly Kobusinge, Jovia Nakagolo, Sylvia Kabene, Margret Kunihira.