(Players and officials of Tanzania's Kilimanjaro Queeens in a celebratory mood. Photo: CAF)

Tanzania have pocketed the sum of $2500 as prize money for winning the 2018 CECAFA Women Challenge Cup in grand style in Rwanda.

 The regional women's football event which began last week at the Stade de Kigali, saw the Kilimanjaro Queens of Tanzania retaining their trophy on the final day.

Tanzania had a shaky start to their title defence with a 1-0 loss to hosts Rwanda in their opener, held to a 1-1 draw by Kenya, before thrashing Uganda 4-1 bounce back to life.

The Tanzanian ladies then hammered Ethiopia 1-4 in their last match thanks to Mwanahamisi Omary Shurua, Donisia Daniel Miya, Stumai Abdallah Athumani and Fatima Mustapha Swalehi's goals.

The win saw coach Bakari Nyundo Shime's team levelled with Uganda on seven points, but they emerged as champions on goal difference after the Ugandans played a 2-2 draw with Rwanda.

Uganda, however, received $1500 as second-placed team, Ethiopia got $1000 for coming third, while Kenya and Rwanda finished fourth and fifth respectively.

Fatuma Issa Maonyo of Tanzania clinched the best player award. Uganda's Ruth Aturo won the best goalkeeper accolade, while Donisia Minya from Tanzania and Ethiopian Meselu Abera Tesfamariam finished as the top-scorer with three goals apiece.