Kenya claimed the title at the 2019 CECAFA Women’s Senior Championship on Monday after a commanding 2–0 victory over defending champions Tanzania in the final. The Harambee Starlets confirmed their dominance throughout the tournament with another disciplined and clinical performance to lift the regional trophy.
From the start of the competition, Kenya established themselves as the team to beat. Solid at the back and efficient in attack, they progressed through the tournament without conceding a single goal. Their defensive organization, combined with sharp finishing up front, made them one of the most balanced sides on display.
The final against Tanzania, the reigning champions, was expected to be closely contested. However, Kenya’s composure and quality proved decisive, particularly in the second half. After a tight opening period, the breakthrough finally came after the restart through rising star Jentrix Shikangwa. The 18-year-old forward once again demonstrated her scoring instinct, finding the net to give her side the lead.
Shikangwa was not done yet. She struck a second time to seal the result and put the game beyond Tanzania’s reach. With her brace in the final, the young striker finished the tournament with an impressive 10 goals, scoring in every match she played. Her remarkable consistency and maturity in front of goal made her one of the standout performers of the competition and a key figure in Kenya’s successful campaign.
By keeping yet another clean sheet in the final, Kenya completed the tournament without conceding a single goal — a testament to their defensive solidity and teamwork. Their well-structured back line and reliable goalkeeper ensured that opponents found it extremely difficult to create chances throughout the event.
With this victory, Kenya replaces Tanzania at the top of the CECAFA Women’s Challenge Cup winners’ list, ending the latter’s reign and marking an important milestone for women’s football in the country. The triumph highlights the steady progress of the Harambee Starlets and their growing strength on the regional stage.
Earlier in the day, the third-place playoff saw Uganda secure a 2–0 win over Burundi. Goals from Amina Nababi and Shamira Nalujja helped Uganda finish the tournament on a positive note and claim the bronze medal.
Individual awards also recognized several outstanding performances. Kenya’s Annedy Kundu earned the Golden Glove after going five consecutive matches without conceding a goal, underlining her crucial role in her team’s defensive success. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Mwanahamisi Omary was named Player of the Tournament for her consistent displays and influence despite her team’s defeat in the final.
Overall, the tournament showcased the growing competitiveness and talent within East African women’s football, with Kenya emerging as deserving champions.
