- 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship
- Uganda 0-1 Burundi
Uganda’s title defense at the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship got off to a rocky start after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Burundi in their opening game at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, Tanzania.
Despite dominating the first half with commanding possession and attacking intent, the Crested Cranes were left to rue missed opportunities.
Most notably, winger Margret Kunihira failed to convert a clear-cut chance in the second half, sending her shot wide of goal, a moment that left head coach Sheryl Botes visibly frustrated on the sidelines.
Burundi’s resilience eventually paid off in the 75th minute.
With the game evenly poised, Esperance Habonimana stepped up to curl in a stunning free kick that floated over Ugandan goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro, who was caught off her line. The goal not only turned the match on its head but also sealed Habonimana’s player of the match performance.
Uganda pressed for a late equalizer, with substitute Sylvia Kabene coming close, only to be denied by Burundi’s composed shot-stopper Faida Habimana, who ensured her side’s historic victory stayed intact.
With the upset loss, the defending champions now face mounting pressure ahead of their next fixture against South Sudan on Sunday, June 15. A victory will be essential to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Meanwhile, buoyed by their confidence-boosting win, Burundi will return to action against Kenya earlier on the same day, seeking to build on their dream start to the tournament.
