Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team head coach Sheryl Botes praised her players’ performance after the Teen Cranes secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over Zanzibar on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam.
The result gave Uganda six points from two matches in Group B and guaranteed a place in the last four with one group game still to play. However, Botes said the manner of the victory was just as important as the outcome.
“It was not only about the goals today but also the performance of the players. We knew Zanzibar would be a difficult opponent because of their physical approach, but I had confidence in the players and their abilities,” said Botes.
The coach’s comments reflected Uganda’s control throughout much of the contest at KMC Stadium. The Teen Cranes dominated possession and created the better chances before finally breaking through on the stroke of half-time.
Shadia Nabirye gave Uganda the lead in the 44th minute after sustained pressure, allowing the East Africans to take a deserved advantage into the break.
Uganda continued to dictate proceedings after the restart and doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Immaculate Acen found the back of the net. Justine Ayerango then put the result beyond doubt with a third goal in the 90th minute.
The victory followed Uganda’s emphatic opening-day win over Djibouti and leaves the Teen Cranes in a strong position heading into the knockout rounds.
Botes had warned before the match that Zanzibar would present a stern challenge, but her side responded with a disciplined and composed display that underlined their growing confidence in the tournament.
Uganda will now turn their attention to their final Group B fixture against South Sudan on Thursday, June 18, with qualification already secured and momentum firmly on their side.
