This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
On December 17, 2019, Kenya's Junior Starlets team concluded their participation in the inaugural Cecafa Under-17 Women Challenge Cup, securing a third-place finish after a 2-0 loss to Uganda at the Njeru Technical Centre in Jinja.
The hosts, Uganda, topped the six-team log with 13 points, earned from four wins and one draw. Tanzania secured second place with 11 points from three wins and two draws, after defeating Djibouti 10-0.
Burundi's 4-0 victory over Eritrea moved them level on seven points with Kenya, who emerged third due to their superior goal difference. Eritrea finished fifth with four points, while Djibouti concluded the tournament without a point after five successive losses.
Uganda's goals were scored by Fauzia Najjemba in the 31st minute and Juliet Nakulenga in the 47th minute.
Junior Starlets coach Jackline Juma reflected on the loss, stating, "We are not surprised by the loss because our opponents were clearly more experienced but I'm glad we got to the finals and the girls gave their best. We will definitely use the experience gathered to challenge for the title next year. This is just the first edition, we still have hope of redeeming ourselves."
Uganda's Najjemba was named the Most Valuable Player, while their goalkeeper Daphine Nyayenga won the Golden Glove award. Tanzania's Aisha Hamis Masaka received the Golden Boot award with 14 goals.
