Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Uganda’s U-17 Women’s National Team the Teen Cranes, defended their CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship crown with an emphatic 3-0 victory over hosts Tanzania in the final clash, reaffirming Uganda’s growing stature in women’s football while strengthening the spirit of regional unity through sport. The triumph marked Uganda’s second consecutive CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship title and delivered the first major trophy for Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes since taking charge of the national team.

The Teen Cranes entered the final as defending champions following a flawless group-stage campaign. Uganda topped Group B with nine points from three matches, scoring an impressive 20 goals without conceding, underlining their dominance throughout the tournament. Played in front of an enthusiastic home crowd in Tanzania, the final showcased not only the competitive spirit of East African football but also the power of sport in fostering friendship, mutual respect, and regional cooperation among neighboring nations. Uganda made an energetic start, immediately placing the hosts under pressure and earning three corner kicks within the opening minutes.  The hosts struggled to contain Uganda’s high-intensity pressing game, which forced several defensive errors. In the 15th minute, Tanzania’s Neema Mutunzi received a yellow card after bringing down Uganda’s Shadia Nabirye.

Uganda’s sustained pressure yielded results in the 38th minute when Ayerango capped a well-orchestrated team move with a composed finish to give the Teen Cranes a deserved 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, Uganda doubled their advantage through Brenda Nassaka, who calmly slotted home in the 43rd minute to send the defending champions into the halftime break with a comfortable 2-0 lead. The Teen Cranes resumed the second half with the same determination and extended their lead just two minutes after the restart. Flavia Yagala connected perfectly with a precise pass from Nassaka before finishing confidently to make it 3-0 in the 47th minute. Despite the scoreline, Tanzania continued to display resilience and sportsmanship, earning admiration from supporters and participants alike. The final reflected the growing competitiveness of women’s football across the CECAFA region and the collective commitment of member states to nurturing young talent.

Uganda’s victory completed a perfect tournament campaign and reinforced the country’s leadership in regional youth football. The achievement also serves as a testament to the continued investment in women’s football development and youth empowerment. The championship highlighted the important role of sports diplomacy in strengthening relations between Uganda and Tanzania. Through football, young athletes from across East Africa were able to build friendships, exchange cultural experiences, and promote the values of unity, respect, and regional integration championed by the East African Community. As the Teen Cranes celebrate another regional triumph, their success stands as an inspiration to the next generation of female athletes and a reminder of the unifying power of sport in bringing nations together.

Uganda Teen Cranes celebrate their victory against Tanzania