East Africa: Tanzania Crowned Cecafa Champions After Beating Kenya

By Makhtum Muziransa

Jinja — Tanzania beat Kenya 2-1 to win the Cecafa Women Championship yesterday at Njeru Technical Centre.

Two first half goals from Omari Mwanahamisi and Abdalla Stumai were enough to gift the Taifa Queens a trophy as the tournament returned for the first time in 30 years.

"Kenya gave us a tough challenge but we have been at this level for long time," Tanzania coach Sebastian Nkoma said.

"We have the experience to win such tournaments and Kenya are supposed to learn from us," he added.

The Starlets had dominated earlier proceedings creating two clear cut chances in the first 11 minutes but only scored just after halftime. However, they failed to find the composure to find an equalizer in the pulsating final.

A mini-protest from Kenyan players, after Ugandan referee Anna Akoyi overturned her initial decision to call a foul on Mwanahamisi in the lead to Stumai's shot from a tight angle finding the back of the net, could have been playing on the Starlets minds.

"I had to get on pitch and tell them we had to play. Referees make mistakes and how you react to that can determine how the match goes," Kenyan coach David Ouma who intervened to calm the situation in the 44th minute explained.

"That said, I think they were better than us in physical challenges and we have to re-group to organize ourselves on a tactical level," he added in light of the fact that Kenya will play in the Africa Cup in November. Mali, Ghana and Nigeria are their group opponents.

Earlier Uganda had lost 4-1 to a dominant Ethiopia side in the third place play off. Erhima Zeregaw scored a hattrick while striker Losa Abera was rewarded for her tireless link up play and industry with Ethiopia's fourth goal in the 80th minute.

Crested Cranes coach Majidah Nantanda made four changes, to the side that lost 4-1 to Tanzania in the semifinals on Sunday, to have a fresher and fitter squad.

"Naume (Nagadya) and Joan (Nakirya) are injured while Laki (Otandeka) had to fly back to USA but we plan for every game and every player in the team had a role to play," Nantanda said.

The plan seemed to pay off as Hasifah Nassuna gave Uganda the lead just after four minutes but that was just about it for the hosts.

Cecafa Women's Championship

Third place play-off

Ethiopia 4-1 Uganda

Final

Tanzania 2-1 Kenya

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