CECAFA Women Challenge Cup is set to kick off in Kigali City, two days after all the participating nations landed in the country.
Hosts Rwanda, defending champions Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia will spice up the Fifa-sponsored championship running from July 19 to 28 at Stade de Kigali.
On the opening day of the regional tournament-today afternoon, Kenya takes on Uganda at 14h00 while Rwanda will be up against reigning champions Tanzania at 16:30.
At the 2016 edition in Uganda, the last time the tourney was held, Rwanda never progressed from the group stage as they suffered two identical 3-2 defeats at the hands of Tanzania and finalists Ethiopia.
All matches will be broadcasted live on Azam TV.
The tournament will be played on a league basis, the team topping the table will be declared the winner.
the National Women Team head coach Kayiranga Jean Baptista and skipper Nibagwire Gloria Sifa urged fans to turn out in large numbers to support Rwanda’s women national team as they seek to win the title on home soil.
Kayiranga who is optimistic on Rwanda’s chances of staging triumphant performances said that the team’s objective is to at least claim the championship accolade.
“I have belief in my squad players and based on their attitude and determination, I am confident they can proudly win the tournament,”
“We need to go into the opening match against defending champions Tanzania with a confident mind and register a positive start if we are to realize our ambition,” added Kayiranga.
Skipper Nibagwire said, “We have had good experience with all our opponents following the 2015 edition and despite having a short period of ample preparations; we are optimistic, determined and eager to make our nation and Rwandan women proud,”
“I am urging Rwandans to come in large numbers and support and we will do our level best to make them happy,” added Nibagwire.
Rwanda which has been undergoing non-residential intensive preparations since July 10 opens her regional account against reigning champions Tanzania on Thursday July 19 at 4:15pm at Stade de Kigali. On the same day, Kenya will take on Uganda in an earlier game at 2pm.
Action will resume on Saturday, July 21 with Ethiopia facing Uganda while Kenya will be up against Tanzania.
Rwanda will be back to action on Monday when they host Ethiopia after an earlier match between Uganda and Tanzania.
On Wednesday, July 25, Rwanda will battle Uganda as Kenya takes on Ethiopia before the final league-format matches which will see Rwanda hosting Kenya as Ethiopia takes on Tanzania on Friday, July 27 with the overall winner being crowned.
Teams expected to give Rwanda a good run for their money includes defending champions Tanzania who are eager to defend their throne, Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, Uganda and Ethiopia respectively.
Last year, Tanzania won the title after edging Kenya in the final while Ethiopia overcame hosts Uganda to take third place. Rwanda could not qualify from the group stage round.
CECAFA Women Challenge Cup 2018
Fixtures
Thursday, July 19
Kenya v Uganda – (Stade de Kigali, 14:00)
Rwanda v Tanzania Mainland – (Stade de Kigali, 16:30)
Friday, July 20: Rest Day
Saturday, July 21
Ethiopia v Uganda – (Stade de Kigali, 14:00)
Kenya v Tanzania – (Stade de Kigali, 16:30)
Sunday, July 22: Rest Day
Monday, July 23
Uganda v Tanzania – (Stade de Kigali, 14:00)
Rwanda v Ethiopia – (Stade de Kigali, 16:30)
Tuesday, July 24: Rest Day
Wednesday, July 25
Kenya v Ethiopia – (Stade de Kigali, 14:00)
Uganda v Rwanda – (Stade de Kigali, 16:30)
Thursday, July 26: Rest Day
Friday, July 27
Ethiopia v Tanzania – (Stade de Kigali, 14:00)
Rwanda v Kenya – (Stade de Kigali, 16:30)