Teen Cranes storm into CECAFA U-17 Semi-Finals with dominant victory over Zanzibar

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda’s U-17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, secured their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over Zanzibar in their second Group B match played at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Tuesday afternoon.

Goals from Immaculate Acen, Justine Ayerango and an own goal by Faudha Mawazo handed Uganda all three points and maintained their perfect start to the tournament.

The Teen Cranes dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, creating numerous scoring opportunities but were repeatedly frustrated by an inspired Zanzibar goalkeeper who produced several crucial saves to keep her side in the contest.

Despite Uganda’s relentless pressure, the breakthrough only came in the closing stages of the first half. In the 44th minute, Shadia Nabirye’s dangerous attack forced defender Faudha Mawazo into heading the ball into her own net, giving Uganda a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the halftime break.

Uganda returned for the second half with the same intensity and continued to dictate possession and create chances.

Their efforts paid off in the 58th minute when Immaculate Acen doubled the advantage with a well-taken finish to put the Teen Cranes firmly in control of the contest.

As Zanzibar struggled to contain Uganda’s attacking threat, the Teen Cranes continued to push forward in search of more goals.

Justine Ayerango eventually sealed the victory with a late strike to make it 3-0 and cap off another impressive performance from the Ugandan side.

The victory takes Uganda to six points from two matches and guarantees their qualification to the semi-final stage with one group match still left to play.

The Teen Cranes will now turn their attention to their final Group B fixture against South Sudan scheduled for Thursday, June 18, as they seek to maintain their unbeaten run and finish top of the group.

Meanwhile, Kenya and hosts Tanzania became the first teams to secure qualification for the semi-finals from Group A.

Kenya, who opened their campaign with a remarkable 16-0 victory over Sudan, followed up that performance with a commanding 6-0 win over a resilient Somalia side in a match played at the Azam Complex on Monday.

Bryl Okumu scored twice for Kenya, while Faith Boke, Brenda Achieng, Elizabeth Opiyo and Patience Mwende also found the back of the net as the Junior Starlets continued their impressive form.

In the earlier Group A encounter, hosts Tanzania thrashed Sudan 10-0 to register their second consecutive victory of the tournament.

Bahati Kizanguzo was the star of the show with six goals, while Harriet Juma grabbed a hat-trick. Sunday Masasila and John Milembe also got on the scoresheet as Tanzania maintained a perfect record.

Both Kenya and Tanzania have now booked their places in the semi-finals before completing their remaining group-stage fixtures, setting up what promises to be an exciting knockout phase of the championship.

With Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania already through, attention now shifts to the final round of group matches as team’s battle for the remaining semi-final places in the regional showpiece.