CECAFA U-20: Tanzania Crowned Champions

Tanzania have been crowned the champions of the 2019 Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kenya in the final at FUFA Technical Centre in Jinja on Saturday.

The Kilimanjaro Stars needed an own goal from unfortunate John Otieno to claim the title in the regional competition that was hosted by Uganda.

Kenya made earlier attempts through Austin Odhiambo, Musa Masika, Benson Ochieng but the Tanzania defence were on high alerted.

Kilimanjaro Stars nearly grabbed an opener in the 15th minute after sloppy handling from Brian Bwire, who got bailed out by his defence.

Kelvin John received an open chance in the 20th minute when landing onto a loose ball into the area, but Bwire parried clear.

Oscar Masai ventured into Rising Stars territory towards halftime but was unable to get a look in as Brian Wepo assisted by Fidel Odinga pulled clear. However, the Kilimanjaro atoned moments before half time when John Otieno directed the ball into his own net.

Both teams made a slow start to the second stanza, as little attacking initiative from either end materialised. Tanzania made their first change in the 62nd minute, with Andrew Simchimba making way for Onesmo Mayaya in the last line of attack.

The context of the match remained with Kilimanjaro Stars, who maintained the attacking and defensive balance effectively well. Kenya pushed strongly for the equaliser late on in the match, but the Tanzanians had all the brakes out to preserve their advantage.

Kelvin John had the chance to extend Kilimanjaro lead in the 89th minute, but he shot dismally wide from an inviting goal.

In the battle for bronze, Eritrea beat Sudan 1-0 courtesy of Biniam Mengsteab’s 67th-minute strike.

Haile Efrem Alemseghed, the Eritrean coach, said he is happy his players had finished third. “We would have won the trophy if some players did not disappear from the Hotel,” added the coach.