Kenya’s hopes of winning the CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA girls’ title were dashed on Saturday after Tanzania retained the regional crown with a 3-0 victory in the final at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda.
The result saw Tanzania repeat their success from the 2025 edition, while Kenya had to settle for the runners-up position after an impressive run to the final.
Salah Msagala, Eva Maiope and Anna Pascal were on target as the holders produced a dominant display to see off the Kenyan youngsters.
Kenya had earned their place in the final after eliminating hosts Rwanda 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time in their semi-final.
Tanzania, meanwhile, booked their place after shaving Uganda 2-0, with Debora Salala and Msagala scoring for the holders.
Despite the loss, Kenya’s second-place finish earned the team a share of the substantial prize money on offer, with runners-up in each category receiving Sh9.71 million (USD75,000).
The winning teams in the boys’ and girls’ categories each received Sh12.94 million (USD100,000), while third-placed sides pocketed Sh6.47 million (USD50,000).
Provided by the Motsepe Foundation, the prize money is earmarked for development projects in the participating schools. The funds can be used to improve infrastructure, upgrade sports facilities and enhance access to clean water.
In the boys’ final, Uganda reclaimed the regional title after outshining hosts Rwanda 1-0, with Kennedy Okwi scoring the decisive goal in the 39th minute.
Uganda also trounced Rwanda 2-0 in the girls’ third-place play-off, while Tanzania beat South Sudan 2-0 in the corresponding boys’ match.
The awards ceremony was attended by senior officials from CECAFA, the Rwanda Football Federation, Uganda Football Federation and Rwanda’s Ministry of Sports.
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