Uganda’s U-17 Women’s National Football Team, the Teen Cranes, have secured a place in the semifinals of the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship with a match to spare following a convincing 3-0 victory over Zanzibar.
The side, coached by Sheryl Botes, maintained their perfect start to the tournament with another impressive performance in their second Group B fixture.
Uganda’s goals came through Shadia Nabirye, Immaculae Acen, and Justine Ayerango, who each found the back of the net to secure all three points for the Teen Cranes.
The victory moves Uganda to six points from two matches, guaranteeing qualification to the knockout stage regardless of the outcome of their final group game against South Sudan on Thursday.
The Teen Cranes have impressed throughout the competition with disciplined defending and clinical finishing, establishing themselves as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
Meanwhile, in Group A, both Tanzania and Kenya have also booked their places in the semifinals after collecting six points each from their opening matches.
The two regional rivals are set to meet on Wednesday in a top-of-the-table clash that will determine the Group A winner and semifinal pairings.
Uganda will now shift focus to their final group match against South Sudan as they seek to maintain momentum and finish top of Group B ahead of the knockout stages.
The CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship serves as an important platform for developing young talent in the region, with teams using the competition to prepare players for future continental and international tournaments.
With qualification secured early, the Teen Cranes will be aiming to continue their impressive run and challenge for the regional title as the championship enters its decisive phase.
