After a rocky start to their title defense, Uganda’s Crested Cranes made a thunderous statement on Match Day 2 of the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship in Tanzania.
The 2022 champions crushed South Sudan 5-0 at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, getting their campaign back on track after a surprise opening loss to Burundi.
Uganda wasted no time setting the tone. Sylvia Kabene bagged a sensational first-half hat-trick, putting the Cranes comfortably in the driver’s seat before the break.
Midfielder Shamirah Nalugya added a fourth, and skipper Zainah Namuleme rounded off the scoring in a first half blitz that left South Sudan in disarray.
That opening match had stunned Ugandan fans. The Crested Cranes dominated for long stretches but were undone by a 75th-minute free kick from Burundi’s Esperance Habonimana, whose long-range effort sneaked past Uganda’s keeper. It was a disappointing start for the reigning champs, who had beaten Burundi twice in 2022, including in the final.
But Uganda weren’t about to let history slip away. With their bounce-back win, they now sit level on three points with Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi, though they’ve played one more match than both Kenya and Tanzania. Their five goals scored, however, could prove crucial in the final standings.
The tournament is being played in a round-robin format with five teams: Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan. With only the top team crowned champion, every point—and every goal—matters.
Next up is a titanic clash between East African giants Uganda and Kenya on June 17. It’s a must-watch, especially with both sides showing goal-scoring flair in their most recent matches. Kenya beat Burundi 3-0 thanks to a Martha Amunyolet brace and a late goal by Faith Mboya.
