CECAFA Under-18 Championships: Uganda crush Kenya’s title dream in extra time

Uganda are the champions of the 2023 Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Under-18 championships played at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu, after beating hosts Kenya 2-1 after extra time.

The match saw Syphas Owuor give Kenya the lead in the 66th minute with a splendid strike, capitalising on a precise long ball from goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala. Uganda quickly responded as Kyeyune Abasi tapped in from close range in the 78th minute, exploiting a defensive lapse that left Wanzala exposed.

The first half witnessed a tactical battle, with the Young Cranes displaying a physical edge and committing numerous fouls on the Kenyan attackers. Junior Stars had their opportunities, notably through Louise Ingavi, but failed to convert, while star players Aldrine Kibet and Tyron Kariuki were surprisingly left out of the starting XI.

Coach Salim Babu introduced Kibet and Kariuki as substitutes late in the second half and at the restart respectively. However, Uganda's Hakim Mutebi broke Kenyan hearts in the first half of extra time, securing the championship with a well-placed shot past the goalkeeper.

The Junior Stars, previously unbeaten in the tournament, had showcased their prowess in the group stage and secured a spot in the final with a penalty shootout win against Tanzania in the semi-finals. Despite their setback against Uganda, the team's impressive journey was marked by convincing victories in the preliminary matches against Somalia (4-1), Sudan (5-0), and Rwanda (1-0).

In the third-place playoff, Tanzania defeated Rwanda 3-1, with goals from Zidane Ally Sereri, Said Said, and John Misheto, while Ndayishimiye Didie scored the consolation goal for Rwanda.

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