Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team Head Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes praised her team’s flawless discipline after the Teen Cranes successfully defended their CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship title on Tuesday, dismantling hosts Tanzania 3-0 in the final at the KMC Stadium.
The tactical mastermind, who guided Uganda to a dominant regional crown, emphasised that sticking to the game plan was the catalyst for their unblemished campaign.
“I am very happy that the team followed instructions and won all five matches played in the tournament,” Coach Botes said in her post-match remarks, underlining the disciplined approach that came to define her squad’s performance.
Under Botes’ guidance, the Teen Cranes put on a masterclass of attacking efficiency and defensive resilience throughout the tournament, winning all five of their matches, scoring an astonishing 26 goals, and remarkably keeping five consecutive clean sheets.
The final on Tuesday perfectly mirrored Botes’ tactical vision. Uganda seized total control of the match late in the first half.
Justine Ayerango broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, and just four minutes later, Brenda Nasaaka doubled the advantage, sending the Teen Cranes into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Tanzania attempted a fightback in front of their home crowd, with forwards Yasinta Kaluwa and Bahati Kizanguzi probing for a breakthrough. However, Botes’ defensive unit, marshalled brilliantly by Jovia Nakirya, stood firm.
Any lingering hopes of a Tanzanian comeback were effectively snuffed out just three minutes into the second half when Flavia Yagala found the back of the net to make it 3-0.
True to the defensive discipline Botes demanded, goalkeeper Namuwaya Mayimuna delivered another assured performance in the dying minutes, preserving Uganda’s perfect defensive record until the final whistle blew.
With the victory, Uganda successfully retained the regional silverware they first captured in 2023, cementing their status as the undisputed queens of regional youth football.
