By Spy Uganda
Uganda Women’s National Football Team (Crested Cranes) are the winners of the 2022 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship after overcoming Burundi in the final on Saturday at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
In a thrilling final watched by Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda as guest of honour, Uganda secured a 3-1 win to emerge the winners for the first time ever.
Sandra Nabweteme led the way for Uganda, bagging a brace while Fazila Ikwaput netted the other goal. The consolation for Burundi came from lanky midfielder Joelle Bukuru.
Uganda started on a strong foot and took an early lead when Nabweteme fired home in the second minute beyond goalkeeper Amissa Inarukundo.
The second goal arrived two minutes before the break when Ikwaput dribbled past defender Diane Irankunda and the goalkeeper before scoring into an empty net.
Burundi made a strong start to the second stanza with Joelle Bukuru getting a goal, four minutes after restart.
Despite their attempts, Uganda kept the resistance until when Nabweteme scored deep into stoppage time to put the score beyond reach.
Ethiopia beat Tanzania 2-1 to settle for bronze in the game played before the final.
Turist Lema and Tadesse Bizuayehu scored a goal each for Ethiopia while Tanzania got the consolation through Opa Clement who finished as top scorer of the tournament with seven goals.
Individual Awards
MVP – Fazila Ikwpaut (Uganda)
Top Scorer – Opa Clement (Tanzania) – 7 Goals.
Best Goalkeeper – Daisy Nakaziro (Uganda)
Fairplay Award – Tanzania
Winners- Uganda
1st Runners up – Burundi
2nd Runners up – Ethiopia.
