Crested Cranes clinch bronze after tough CECAFA tournament
Despite entering the tournament as defending champions, Uganda managed just one win from four matches, ending with three points.
Uganda’s Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes, concluded their campaign at the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship with a third-place finish. (Courtesy photos)
By Chrispus Baluku
Journalists @New Vision
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Final CECAFA Women’s Championship Standings
Tanzania 12 points
Kenya 9
Uganda 3
Burundi 3
South Sudan 3
Uganda’s Women’s National Football Team, the Crested Cranes, concluded their campaign at the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship with a third-place finish, earning bronze at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, Tanzania.
Despite entering the tournament as defending champions, Uganda managed just one win from four matches, ending with three points.
The tournament began on a sour note for the Crested Cranes, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Burundi, a rematch of the 2022 final, which Uganda had previously won. The early loss placed them under pressure, but they bounced back in style with a dominant 5-0 victory over South Sudan in their second match.
Young striker Sylvia Kabene was the standout performer in that game, netting a hat-trick. Captain Shamirah Nalugya and midfielder Zainah Namuleme also made notable contributions.
However, the Cranes’ momentum was short-lived. In their next match, they faced a ruthless Kenyan side and endured a heavy 4-0 loss, which severely dented their confidence and all but ended their hopes of defending the title.
Their final group fixture against hosts Tanzania ended in a 2-0 defeat. It summed up a disappointing tournament for Uganda, who finished with three points from one win and three losses, and a goal difference of -2.
Tanzania were dominant throughout, winning all their games to claim the title, including a narrow 1-0 victory over Kenya in the final. Kenya finished runners-up with silver, while Uganda settled for bronze.
The Cranes showed glimpses of promise. The emphatic win against South Sudan was a high point, but defeats to Burundi, Kenya, and Tanzania revealed areas needing improvement ahead of future competitions.
The squad combined youthful promise with experienced leadership. Kabene was Uganda’s top scorer with three goals, while seasoned players like captain Nalugya, defender Zainah Nandede, and goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro worked hard to inspire the team during challenging moments.
Tanzania swept the individual accolades as well, with Najiati Idrissa named Best Goalkeeper, Diana Lucas Msewa awarded Best Player, and Opa Clement winning the Top Scorer award.
Tournament results
Uganda 0–1 Burundi
South Sudan 0–4 Tanzania
Burundi 0–3 Kenya
South Sudan 0–5 Uganda
Tanzania 6–0 Burundi
Kenya 4–0 Uganda
Kenya 4–0 South Sudan
Uganda 0–2 Tanzania
Burundi 1–3 South Sudan
Tanzania 1–0 Kenya