CECAFA Women’s Cup: Burundi stun champions Crested Cranes, Tanzania cruise past South Sudan

Photo by CECAFA Media.

Defending champions Uganda were handed a narrow 1-0 defeat by Burundi in the opening match of the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship held at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, Tanzania on Friday.

Despite controlling the majority of the first half, the Crested Cranes struggled to find the back of the net. Their dominance produced several chances, with Margret Kunihira coming closest in the second half, only to send her effort wide, leaving head coach Sheryl Botes visibly disappointed on the sidelines.

Burundi stayed compact and disciplined throughout the contest and capitalized on their chance in the 75th minute. Esperance Habonimana struck a sublime free kick that sailed over Uganda goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro, who had strayed off her line, giving Burundi the lead against the run of play.

Uganda pushed for an equalizer in the final minutes, with substitute Sylvia Kabene testing Burundian goalkeeper Faida Habimana, but the shot-stopper made a crucial save to preserve her side’s lead. Habonimana’s match-winning contribution earned her the Player of the Match accolade.

The Crested Cranes will look to bounce back in their next group fixture against South Sudan on Sunday, June 15, also at the Azam Complex. Burundi, on the other hand, will face Kenya in the earlier kickoff on the same day.

Meanwhile, in the second match at the same venue, hosts Tanzania made a powerful statement with a 4-0 thrashing of South Sudan. Diana Lucas opened the scoring in the 9th minute before Opa Clement netted twice (34th and 62nd minutes).

Clara Luvunga added a fourth in the 68th minute to seal a commanding win. Diana Lucas was named Woman of the Match and received a TZS 250,000 cash prize.

Line-ups: Burundi: Faida Habimana (GK), Gloris Gakiza, Peace Olga Niyomwungere, Aniella Uwimana, Kanyamuneza Erica, Rukiya Bizimana, Keza Angelique, Salum Rumuri, Esperance Habonimana, Akimana Evelyne, Annonciatte Nshimirimana.

Uganda: Daisy Nakaziro (GK), Zainah Nandede, Jolly Kobusinge, Jamirah Nabulime, Desire Katisi, Latifah Nakasi, Docus Lwalisa, Shamirah Nalugya, Zainah Namuleme, Jovia Nakagolo, Margret Kunihira.