Uganda vs Kenya: Preview, Team News, Probable Line-ups, Prediction

Sunday, June 21
Uganda vs Kenya, 1:00 PM – KMC Stadium

The Uganda U17 Women’s National Team, the Teen Cranes, return to action on Sunday afternoon when they face regional rivals Kenya in the semifinals of the CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship.

The highly anticipated encounter will be played at KMC Stadium in Tanzania, with both sides battling for a place in the tournament final.

Uganda booked their place in the semifinals after topping Group B with a perfect record of three wins from three matches.

The Teen Cranes defeated Djibouti, Zanzibar, and South Sudan, scoring 20 goals and conceding none in the group stage.

Kenya, meanwhile, finished second in Group A behind hosts Tanzania. The Junior Starlets registered victories over Sudan and Somalia before drawing with Tanzania.

Kenya had initially topped the group on goal difference following a 16-0 victory over Sudan. However, the result was revised after the match was abandoned in the second half.

CECAFA awarded Kenya a 3-0 win instead, reducing their goal difference and allowing Tanzania to finish top of the group.

The Football Kenya Federation appealed the decision, but the ruling was upheld, setting up a semifinal showdown against Uganda.

The two sides are no strangers to each other. Weeks ago, Kenya eliminated Uganda from the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, giving the Teen Cranes an opportunity to seek revenge and keep their hopes of retaining the CECAFA title alive.

Team News

Teen Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes believes her players are focused and ready for the challenge ahead.

“The mood in the camp is good. The players know the opponents from the World Cup qualifiers and understand the history between the two teams. However, our main focus is on what we are capable of doing. The girls are concentrating on improving in the final third and making the most of the chances we create. It’s good that we are facing opponents we know,” said Botes.

The winner of the Uganda-Kenya semifinal will face either hosts Tanzania or South Sudan in the final.

Uganda are the defending champions of the competition, having won the title in 2019 under coach Ayub Khalifah.

Probable Lineups

Kenya: Mishel Okoyo (GK), Jael Nanjala, Bevarline Awour, Faith Boke, Pauline Namisi, Beryl Okumu, Brenda Awuor, Mwanakombo Bakari, Wambui Tabitha, Emily Adhiambo, Brenda Achieng

Uganda: Mayimuna Namuwaya,
(GK), Martha Babirye, Angel Gerevans Dominick, Phiona Arach, Vicky Atyeronimungu, Jovia Nakirya, Lydia Nameseruka, Flavia Yagala, Shadia Nabirye, Justine Ayerango, Immaculate Acen

Prediction: Uganda 1-0 Kenya.