Harambee Starlets thrash Uganda Cranes 4-0 in Cecafa clash

Harambee Starlets thrashed defending champions Crested Cranes of Uganda 4-0 in their second match of the 2025 Cecafa Senior Women's Championship campaign at Azam Sports Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Tuesday evening.

Earlier at the same venue, 2016 and 2018 winners Tanzania, thumped Burundi 6-0 in their second match. Captain Opa Clement scored in the eighth and 32nd minutes, while midfielders Jamila Rajabu, Clara Luvanga, Diana Lucas, and Stumai Abdallah each scored in the 65th, 70th, 74th, and 79th minutes, respectively.

Kenya, coached by Beldine Odemba, made six changes to the starting lineup from their 3-0 victory over Burundi on Sunday.

Lilian Awuor replaced Annedy Kundu in goal. The defense replaced Elizabeth Ochaka, Tabitha Amoit, and Alice Mideri with Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, and Ruth Ingosi, respectively.

In midfield, Diana Wacera, Violet Nanjala, and Martha Amunyolet remained, while Lavender Akinyi and Fasilah Adhiambo took the places of Emily Morang'a and Medina Abubakar.

Tumaini Waliaula and Violet Nanjala were retained in attack.

The opening 15 minutes were intense, with both teams vying for an early advantage. Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor made several crucial saves in the first half.

Starlets’ Akinyi had the first attempt in the third minute, firing a powerful shot from outside the box that missed the target.

Uganda responded three minutes later with a corner kick by midfielder Sylvia Kabene, but captain Shikobe was alert in the box to clear the ball from the danger area.

After several missed chances, Kenya finally scored in the 18th minute from a corner taken by Akinyi. Still, it was headed back to the pitch by Uganda's Desire Katisi, but Shikobe executed a scissor kick that Wacera headed into the net.

In the 26th minute, Ugandan defender Shamirah Nalugya fouled Akinyi, who was about to receive a pass from a Nasaka throw-in. Akinyi then took the free kick, which missed the target but found Shikobe in the box, who scored with a single touch.

Two minutes later, Nanjala scored a third goal, redeeming herself after earlier misses. Akinyi's long pass from the midfield found Nanjala, who capitalised with a long shot after Ugandan goalkeeper Lilian Ankkirya came out of her area to clear the ball.

This prompted Uganda coach Sherly Botes to make an early substitution in the midfield, bringing on Latifah Nakasi for Javia Nakagola, but the change proved ineffective.

In the second half, the Cranes intensified their attack, keeping Awuor busy in goal.

Uganda squandered several scoring opportunities. Midfielder Magret Kunihira missed a clear chance, directing Shamira Nalugya's cross into Awuor's hands and then sending the rebound over the bar.

In the 59th minute, Kenya substituted striker Faith Mboya for Nanjala, and Mboya quickly threatened the Cranes' defense, hitting the post in the 78th minute.

Three minutes later, Amunyolet scored her third tournament goal and Kenya's fourth, heading in Shikobe's pass from Mango's throw-in, despite being closely marked.

Kenya's victory was sweet revenge for their 1-0 loss to Uganda in the 2018 semi-finals.

The five-nation tournament includes Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan. Kenya, the 2019 champions, have participated three times since 1986, finishing second (2016), third (2018), and as winners (2019).

Kenya will play South Sudan this Thursday at Azam Sports Complex, followed by their final match against Tanzania at the same venue on the 22nd of this month.