The Uganda Crested Cranes have defeated Burundi 3-1 to lift the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022 title on Saturday.
Sandra Nabweteme netted a brace, while Fazila Ikwaput scored the other for Uganda, while Joelle Bukuru found the net for Burundi during the final played at the FUFA technical centre in Njeru.
Nabweteme put the hosts in front after only two minutes when she slotted the ball past Burundi’s goalkeeper Amissa Inarukundo.
Burundi tried to push forward to try and get a goal, but found Uganda’s backline marshled by Asia Nakibuuka, Sumaya Komuntale and Margret Namirimu so tight.
After 43 minutes Uganda’s leading striker Fazila Ikwaput netted her sixth goal of the tournament to send Uganda 2-0 up. The quick striker dribbled past three defenders and made no mistake firing past the goalkeeper.
In the second half the Burundi team made some changes and pressed the Uganda Crested Cranes before they pulled a goal back. Joelle Bukuru netted Burundi’s goal after 49th minutes with a hard long shot that beat Uganda’s goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro.
The Burundi team continued to push forward, but a defensive mix-up gave Nabweteme the opportunity to score her second goal of the day in the 90th minute to send Uganda 3-1 up.
The match was graced by the Speaker of Parliament Hon. Anita Among, CECAFA President Wallace Karia and Uganda Football Federation President, and CAF Exco member Moses Hassim Magogo.
In an earlier match Ethiopia beat Tanzania 2-1 in play-off match which saw them settle for a bronze medal. Taddese Bizuayehu and Turis lema scored for Ethiopia, while Opa Clement Tukumbuke netted the consolation goal for Tanzania.
“I am so happy that we have won this trophy because it is the first for the senior women’s team of Uganda to lift,” said Uganda’s coach George William Lutalo.
Uganda’s Fazila Ikwpaut and Daisy Nakaziro were voted best player of the tournament and best goalkeeper respectively. Tanzania’s Opa Clement Tukumbuke (seven goals) won the top scorer’s Award, while Tanzania also picked the Fair Play Award.
Source: CAF
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
Discussion about this post