(She Amavubi of Rwanda. Photo: FERWAFA)

The much-awaited 2018 CECAFA Women Challenge Cup began yesterday in Rwanda, with defending champions Tanzania and Kenya suffering defeats.

 The matches which took place at the Stade de Kigali, saw Tanzania lose 1-0 to Rwanda, with Kenya going down to Uganda by the same scoreline.

Kalimba Alice's lone strike on the 34th minute made the difference for Rwanda's She Amavubi against Twiga Stars of Tanzania in the second encounter of the day.

In the early kick off game, Uganda avenged their Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers defeat to Kenya, with a slim a 1-0 victory.

Lillian Mutuuzo provided the only goal as early as the seventh minute which gave the Ugandans the upper hand over the perennial rivals, Harambee Starlets of Kenya.

And so, Rwanda and Uganda tops the standings after day one results; with Ethiopia yet to get into the mix of the five-team tournament.

Action in this year's CECAFA Women Challenge Cup continues on Saturday when Uganda faces Ethiopia and Kenya takes on Tanzania.