CECAFA had confirmed that the winners in both the boys’ and girls’ categories would represent the region at the CAF African Schools Football Championship.
Tanzania settled the contest in a devastating opening half, scoring all three goals within 34 minutes to take a commanding lead into the interval.
Hajira Mawanja opened the scoring before Eva Maope doubled Tanzania’s advantage, with Anna Paskal completing the scoring to put the East African giants firmly in control.
Despite the deficit, Kenya returned from the break with renewed determination, tightening their defensive organisation while pushing more numbers forward in search of a way back into the contest.
However, Tanzania remained composed at the back, and successfully frustrated Kenya’s attempts to reduce the deficit.
The Tanzanian defence stood firm through the second half, ensuring that the three-goal advantage remained intact until the final whistle.
For Kenya, the result marked a disappointing conclusion to what had otherwise been an impressive tournament campaign.
The Emerging Starlets had demonstrated their potential on their way to the final, eventually reaching the title decider after overcoming a tough semi-final challenge.
Kenya secured their place in the final after their semi-final ended in a draw, before edging Rwanda 5-4 on penalties.
Tanzania, meanwhile, entered the final having already underlined their credentials by defeating Uganda 2-0 in the other semi-final, with Debora Salala and Salah Msagala finding the net.
The regional tournament, which ran from 3-5 September in Kigali, featured U-15 boys’ and girls’ teams from across CECAFA, with the finals staged at Kigali Pele Stadium.
While Tanzania walked away with the regional ticket, Kenya secured silver from the tournament.
