Kabene hat-trick powers Crested Cranes to 5-0 rout of South Sudan in CECAFA
The match took place at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, and it was just what the team needed after their close 1-0 loss to Burundi in the opening match.
Courtesy photo
By Chrispus Baluku
Journalists @New Vision
CECAFA Women Championship 2025
Uganda 5 South Sudan 0
Tuesday 17th
Kenya v Uganda ( 7pm)
Uganda's Crested Cranes put on a great show Sunday night, defeating South Sudan 5-0 in their second game of the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship.
The match took place at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, and it was just what the team needed after their close 1-0 loss to Burundi in the opening match.
In that earlier game, a late free kick from Esperance Habonimana handed Burundi the win, repeating the result of the 2022 final where Uganda had triumphed 3-1.
But against South Sudan, the Crested Cranes were eager and assertive right from the get-go.
Just six minutes into the match, Sylvia Kabene netted the first goal with a solid finish inside the box. The team kept up the pressure, and by the 10th minute, Shamirah Nalugya made it 2-0 with a fierce free kick that flew past the goalkeeper.
Captain Zainah Namuleme then scored a third goal in the 16th minute from the penalty spot after Uganda drew a foul in the area.
Kabene wasn't done yet; she added two more goals in the 22nd and 34th minutes, completing her hat-trick before halftime. Uganda headed into the break with a commanding 5-0 lead.
The second half was more about control for Uganda, who kept the game in their hands. South Sudan struggled to make any real impact, and the match finished 5-0 in favor of the Crested Cranes.
Uganda's next challenge will be against Kenya, who topped Burundi 3-0. With all three teams vying for a chance, the group stage promises to be exciting.