Sports: Teen Cranes to face Kenya in CECAFA U-17 women’s cha

Uganda’s Teen Cranes will face regional rivals Kenya Junior Starlets in the semi-finals of the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship on Sunday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

 

The Teen Cranes enter the semi-final as defending champions and remain one of the strongest sides in the competition after a perfect group stage campaign. The other semi-final will see hosts Tanzania Women U17 take on South Sudan Women U17.

 

Uganda topped Group B with a perfect nine points from three matches, scoring 20 goals without conceding any—a testament to their attacking power and defensive solidity.

 

Their results included a 13-0 demolition of Djibouti, a 3-0 win over Zanzibar, and a 4-0 victory over South Sudan. In the final group match, Uganda sealed top spot with a convincing performance as Shadia Nabirye and Justine Ayerango each scored twice in the 4-0 win over South Sudan on Thursday.

 

Head coach Sheryl Botes said the team is improving with every match but warned that the knockout stage will require more focus and discipline.

 

“Our group games were good. We needed these wins and more goals. Sudan was very physical. Now our focus is Kenya. They have good players, but we will work on our plan and prepare well,” she said.

 

The semi-final carries extra weight due to recent history between the two sides. Last month, Kenya eliminated Uganda from the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after a 1-1 aggregate draw, progressing on away goals. That result adds a revenge angle for Uganda as they meet again in a knockout match.

 

Botes added that knockout football demands discipline and smart decision-making. “Kenya are strong opponents and we respect them. The girls are ready and we will fight for the final,” she said.

 

Kenya finished second in Group A with seven points after winning two matches and drawing one. They scored 10 goals and conceded only once, showcasing a balanced and competitive side. Tanzania topped the group on goal difference, also finishing with seven points, following a 4-0 win over Somalia, a 10-0 demolition of Sudan, and a 1-1 draw with Kenya.

 

Kenya’s group stage campaign was not without controversy. In their opening match against Sudan, Kenya were leading 16-0 in the 54th minute when the game was abandoned after Sudan players went down injured and the team could not continue. The referee stopped the match because Sudan could not field the minimum number of players, and CECAFA later confirmed the result as a 3-0 win for Kenya under competition rules. Kenya also beat Somalia 6-0 and drew 1-1 with Tanzania in a strong campaign.

 

Uganda head into the match as the tournament’s top scorers and the only team yet to concede a goal, underlining their dominance as defending champions. Kenya, however, bring strong form and resilience, making them Uganda’s toughest test so far in the competition.

 

The CECAFA season-opening tournament attracted eight teams: Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan.

 

Semi-final Fixtures

 

Uganda v Kenya 1pm

Tanzania v South Sudan 4pm

Group B Final Standings

Uganda 9 pts

South Sudan 6 pts

Zanzibar 3 pts

Djibouti 0 pts

Group A Final Standings

Tanzania 7 pts

Kenya 7 pts

Somalia 3 pts

Sudan 0 pts