CECAFA Women Championship: Uganda Crested Cranes defeat Burundi, qualify for semi finals

Group A: Uganda 1-0 Burundi

Amidst the scorching sunny conditions, the cool breeze from the nearby Nile River acted to provide the tranquil conditions that precipitated Uganda Crested Cranes sailing to the semi-finals of the 2016 CECAFA women championship at Njeru in Buikwe district.

Uganda overcame Burundi 1-0 in the well contested final group A match to amass six points and qualify to the last four stage.

Divine Stars enterprising forward Fazila Ikwaput scored the precious winning goal in the first added minute of extra time for the opening half of the game watched by CECAFA’s secretary general, Nicholas Musonyi and the entire FUFA Executive committee.

Ikwaput looped the ball over the advancing goalie Belinda Ndoreraho following a defence splitting pass from QPR international midfielder Jean Seninde.

The rest of the story is now a rich history chapter to be scripted in Uganda’s history footballing books.

Earlier Ikwaput would have scored but was denied by the wood work following a well laid by Christine Nambirige.

Burundi also had a chance to take the lead but Diane Iradukunda watched on in disbelief as her cross cum shot from the right kissed and sailed over the cross bar for a goal kick.

Nambirige did not take further part in the game after she was rushed to hospital following an injury.

Her slot was taken over by Tracy Jones Akiror in the second stanza of the game.

Later, Seninde’s tired but effective legs were replaced by the burly Shakira Nalwooga whose first touch on the ball, tackle, every turn and pass was well cheered throughout thoughout the 25 minutes she played.

Uganda, who started the game minus any card- yellow or red were this time culprits when Naume Nagaddya, Hasifa Nassuna and Gladys Nakito were cautioned for unsporting conduct.

U.S based Laki Otandeka (9) releases the ball to a teammate during Uganda’s 1-0 victory at Njeru

Attempts for Burundi to make amends hit a dead end despite changes for Nancy Kamugisha, Divine Nihorimbere and Maggy Mumezero who replaced Saidi Sakina, Aziza Nzigiyimana and Djazilla Uwineza respectively.

Uganda finishes second behind Kenya who won all their group games to finish top with the maximum nine points (Kenya humiliated Zanzibar 11-0 in the tournament best score).

Action continues on Friday with the match day six menu that has only one game – Tanzania against the free passing Ethiopia.

The winner of the Tanzania and Ethiopia match will face Uganda in the semi-finals on Sunday.

Team Line ups:
Uganda Crested Cranes XI:

Ruth Aturo (G.K), Christine Wanyana (Captain), Joan Nakirya, Gladys Nakirya, Yudaya Nakayenze, Jean Seninde, Christine Nambirige, Naume Nagadya, Hasifa Nassuna, Laki Otandeka, Fazila Ikwaput

Subs:

Fatumah Matovu (G.K), Zaina Namuleme, Tracy Akiror, Shakira Nalwooga, Ritah Nabossa, Sandra Nantumbwe, Viola Namuddu

Head coach: Majidah Nantanda

Burundi XI:

Belinda Ndoreraho (G.K), Aziza Nzigiyimana, Joe’lle Bukuru, Diane Iradukunda, Nasra Nahimana, Ginette Kanyamuneza, Neilla Uwimana, Saidi Sakina, Djazilla Uwineza, Asha Jafari, Neema Nshimirimana

Subs:

Saidatte Nkuruziza (G.K), Nancy Kamugisha, Divine Nihorimbere, Oriane Irakoze, Saidatte Notia, Maggy Mumezero

Head coach: Daniella Niyibimenya

Match Officials:

Center Referee: Rukyaa Jonesha (Tanzania)

1^st Assistant: Abera Woisnet (Ethiopia)

2^nd Assistant: Mary Njoroge (Kenya)

4^th Official: Carolyne Wanjala (Kenya)

Match Commissioner: Felicite Rwemarika (Rwanda)

Referee Assessor: Atieno Immaqulate (Kenya)

Media Officer: Shafi’I Abokar (Somalia)