Tanzania edge Rwanda as Uganda seek Zanzibar tonic

Tanzania started their Cecafa women tournament charge in Kampala Uganda on a high note after edging Rwanda 3-2 in a see-saw encounter played at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru on Monday.

Elsewhere, Harambee Starlets will punch their ticket to the semi finals with victory over Burundi in Group A where hosts Uganda who were buried in a 4-0 hiding in the opener by the Kenyans are out to maintain their interest in the competition when they play Zanzibar.

Double heroine, Asha Rashid and Abdallah Anastazia put Tanzania in firm control in the Group B clash after scoring in the fifth and 30th minutes of the opening stanza.

Rwanda fought back and halved the deficit in the 35th through Anne Marie Ibangarye and the She-Amavubi were level when Anatastazia put through to her own net for 2-2.

Rwanda made some few changes with Callixite Irandukunda coming on for Florence Imanizabayo to shore up the defence and almost fell behind when Dorothee Mukeshimana saw her shot punched out by Najat Abass.

With 15 minutes to go, Rashid notched her brace to put Tanzania 3-2 to the good but try as they might, Rwanda could not fashion a third equaliser.

The inaugural tournament enters day three on Tuesday where Group A matches will be staged.

Burundi will take on tournament favourites Kenya at 2pm East African Time (+3GMT) before smarting hosts Uganda entertain Zanzibar.

SQUADS

Tanzania

Najat Abass (G.K), Sophia Mwasikili (Captain), Anton Anastazia, Issa Fatuma, Fatuma Bashiri, Daniel Donisia, Happyness Henzron, Amina Ally, Omari Mwanahamisi, Rashid Asha, Abdalla Stumai

Rwanda

Judith Nyirabashyitsi (G.K), Sifa Gloria Nibagwire (Captain), Umamahoro Marieclaire, Edith Umulisa, Clementine Mukamana,  Alice Kalimba, Callixte Irandukunda, Anne Marie Ibangarye, Jeanne Nyirahafashimana, Dorothee Mukeshimana, Joseline Mukantaganira