CECAFA Women’s Championship returns after a three-year hiatus

The CECAFA Women’s Senior Championship is set for a highly anticipated return this month, following a three-year absence from the regional football calendar. The tournament will run from June 12 to 22, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The last edition was held in Uganda in 2022, where the Uganda Crested Cranes clinched the title with a 3-1 win over Burundi. This year’s revival comes at a strategic time, just weeks before the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicks off.

“This competition will help our representatives, especially Tanzania, as they prepare for WAFCON. It will also benefit teams gearing up for the 2026 qualifiers,” said Yusuf Mossi, CECAFA’s Competitions Director.

So far, four teams have confirmed their participation: hosts Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan. More are expected to join in the coming days, as excitement builds for the only senior women’s tournament in the region this year.

Tanzania, a two-time champion and tournament favorite, will aim to capitalize on home advantage and continue its legacy as CECAFA’s most successful women's team. Kenya, Uganda, and Zanzibar have each won the championship once.

Following the women’s championship, CECAFA will debut its Beach Soccer Championship from July 7 to 12 in Mombasa, Kenya, further highlighting the region’s growing commitment to diverse football formats.

Other events on the 2025 CECAFA calendar include the CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers and the Dar Port Kagame Cup in Tanzania, with youth and school competitions rounding out the year.

Due to financial and scheduling issues, the Senior Challenge Cup and U-20 Women’s Championship will not be held in 2025.

The return of the CECAFA Women’s Championship is a significant step for women's football in the region, offering vital preparation and exposure for East and Central African nations.