CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022
Semi-finals
Uganda 1-0 Ethiopia (After Extra Time)
Burundi 2-1 Tanzania
Fazila Ikwaput was the heroine for Uganda as the Crested Cranes overpowered Ethiopia to storm the final of the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2022 on Thursday.
The lethal forward scored the decisive goal of the game in extra time (115th minute) in a closely contested semi-final encounter played at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Despite getting numerous scoring opportunities Uganda failed to take away any during normal time with Ethiopia equally having chances on the other hand.
The Crested Cranes were unfortunate in some occasions, hitting the crossbar four times in the same game.
Uganda started the better side creating chance after chance with Sandra Nabweteme’s attempt in the 13th minute ricocheting off the upright.
Shamirah Nalugya too came close in the opening stanza but she was also left disappointed with her strike within the area bouncing off the upright.
Coach Lutalo was forced to make a change midway the first half when defender Aisha Nantongo was stretchered off. She was replaced by Lukia Namubiru who was making her debut.
The other changes saw Lilian Mutuuzo, Phiona Nabbumba and Sheebah Zalwango all coming on for Nalugya, Joan Nabirye and Margaret Kunihira.
With five minutes to the end of extra time, Uganda got a corner that was delivered by skipper Hasifah Nassuna. Her good deliverance was perfectly met by Ikwpaut in the area who scored on the volley to send the fans into wild celebrations.
Uganda will therefore meet Burundi in the final after the latter came from behind to win 2-1. Opa Clement gave Tanzania the lead in the first minute but goals from captain Aisha Djafari and Sandra Niyonkuru guided to Burundi to their first final. The two will face off on Saturday.
It should be noted that Burundi and Uganda faced off in the Group stages with the Crested Cranes winning 4-1.