Crested Cranes Claim Their First CECAFA Championship

Uganda’s Crested Cranes won their first CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship on 11 June 2022, defeating Burundi 3–1 in the final at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru. Coached by George William Lutalo, the hosts secured a landmark regional title for Uganda’s senior women’s national team. Sandra Nabweteme gave Uganda an early lead, and Fazila Ikwaput added a second goal before half-time. Burundi pulled a goal back through Joelle Bukuru shortly after the interval, but Nabweteme scored again in stoppage time to seal the victory. Uganda had reached the final by defeating Ethiopia 1–0 after extra time, with Ikwaput scoring the winner. Her contribution throughout the championship earned her the Most Valuable Player award, while Daisy Nakaziro was named Best Goalkeeper. The regional triumph came ahead of Uganda’s appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco the following month.