By 
The Uganda women’s national football team, the Crested Cranes, produced a resounding 5–0 victory over South Sudan in their second group match at the ongoing CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship, restoring hopes of progression after a rocky start.
Head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes praised the team’s mental resilience and fighting spirit following their dominant performance, which came just days after a narrow 1–0 defeat to Burundi in their opening game.
“It was a good response after losing the first match,” said Botes in a post-match interview. “I was happy with the attitude and hunger from the players. They went all out and got the goals we needed.”
Kabene Steals the Show
The match saw Sylvia Kabene shine brightly with a stunning first-half hat trick, earning her the Woman of the Match accolade. The striker’s clinical finishing set the tone for a dominant Ugandan display.
Midfielders Shamirah Nalugya and Zainah Namuleme (who also captained the side) added to the scoreline before the halftime whistle, rounding off an impressive five-goal blitz in the opening 45 minutes.
Tight Group Standings
With this result, Uganda joins Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi on three points each, turning Group A into a tightly contested battle for semi-final spots. Only goal difference now separates the teams.
Coach Botes acknowledged the competitive nature of the group and stressed the need for continued focus:
“We’ve responded well, but there’s still work to do. We must approach every match with the same intensity.”
Kenya vs Uganda
Uganda’s next challenge is a highly anticipated clash against regional rivals Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, who themselves dispatched Burundi 3–0 in their previous outing.
The match, scheduled for Thursday, is expected to play a pivotal role in deciding who advances to the knockout stage.
What This Victory Means
The Crested Cranes has regained the momentum after bouncing back into contention following an early disappointment, coupled with an improved attacking confidence. The five goals and a clean sheet signal sharp attacking form and better defensive discipline. Rotations worked, with several key players delivering on the big stage.
