By 
The Uganda U-17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, secured a place in the final of the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over Kenya in the first semi-final played at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes’ side maintained their perfect record in the tournament, extending their winning streak after topping their group with three straight victories.
Uganda took the lead in the sixth minute through Shadia Nabirye, who capitalized on a defensive error to slot the ball past Kenyan goalkeeper Mishel Ng’ono. The Teen Cranes remained in control and doubled their advantage five minutes before halftime when Immaculate Achen finished from close range.
Kenya attempted to fight back after the break, with coach Mildred Omari Cheche making tactical changes, but Uganda’s disciplined defence denied their opponents any clear scoring opportunities.
The result was put beyond doubt three minutes into added time when Kenya defender Jael Simiyu scored an own goal following a Ugandan corner kick, handing the Teen Cranes a comfortable 3-0 win.
“We are very happy to reach the final after winning all our three matches in the group stage and now the semi-final. The players all want to face Tanzania in the final,” said Uganda coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes after the match.
The victory also served as sweet revenge for Uganda, who were eliminated by Kenya in the third round of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers last month.
Uganda will now face the winner of the second semi-final between hosts Tanzania and South Sudan. The final of the tournament is scheduled for June 23 in Dar es Salaam.
