Somalia defeat Sudan in CECAFA U-17 tourney to write Women’s Football history – CECAFA FOOTBALL

Kenya and Tanzania have picked wins on Day 1 of the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championships 2026.

The Kenyan team netted 16 goals against Sudan in the opening Group A match played on Saturday at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

After 56 minutes the match was abandoned after five Sudan players had picked injuries and all substitutions had been effected.

Brendah Achieng was the star of the day scoring seven goals, while Lindey Weey Atieno and Elizabeth Opiyo netted a brace each. Flaviah Khatenje, Tabitha Wambui, Bevarline Otieno and Mwanakombo Bakari also had their names on the score board. Sudan’s Malaz Abdallah scored a own goal early in the second half.

“I am very happy that I managed to score seven goals in our opening match. We shall continue to work hard as the tournament continues,” says Achieng.

In the second Group A match hosts Tanzanian defeated Somalia 4-0 to move into second place on the log.

Yasinta Kaliwa gave Tanzania the lead after only 1 minute, before Bahati Kizanguzi made it 2-0 after 30 minutes.   

The debut making Somali team tried to play a highly defensive approach, but failed to contain the Tanzanian team. Fatuma Shagembe and Kizanguzi added two second half goals to give the home side a perfect start.

Halimo Isse, Somalia’s captain said although they lost the match the team is excited that they played in the competition for the very first time. “We are glad to play in the competition because it helps us get more exposure,” added Isse.

Action continues on Sunday with two Group B matches to take place at the Azam Complex, Chamazi. South Sudan will face Zanzibar in the opening match, while Uganda takes on Djibouti in the second tie.