Top stories
2019 CECAFA SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP: Somalia, Djibouti draw
Somalia and Djibouti kicked started the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup with a goalless draw in a Group A match played on Saturday at the StarTimes Stadium in Uganda. The Ocean Stars of Somalia had a chance to take an early lead but Yonis Abdirizak Farh had his shot blocked for a corner. Djibouti’s Ahmed Youssouf also hit the post twice in the first half.
The two teams continued to create scoring chances in the second half, but were let down by the wet surface. Somalia’s substitute Hassan Abdin Gesey also had his shot saved by Djibouti’s goalkeeper Innocent Mbonihaukoye after 77 minutes.
Head coach of Djibouti Julie Mette said he was happy with the way his players reacted, but added that scoring remains a big problem. “We are happy to be in this tournament because it will give us more exposure ahead of the group stage of the 2021 FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” added Mette.
The Somalian coach Bashir Hayford was also happy with the attitude of his players. “We are happy to start with a draw since most of my players are based out of Somalia and only trained together for a few days,” added the coach.
Record winners of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup (14 times) Uganda were set to face Burundi in the second Group A match at the same Stadium.
The tournament which has attracted nine teams will climax on December 19th with the play-off for third place and the final.
Group A
P W D L GF GA A Pts
Djibouti 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Somalia 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Djibouti 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Uganda 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0