Burundi fight back to hold Kenya in Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup

Coach Gustave Niyonkuru’s Burundi team fought from a goal down to hold Kenya to a 1-all draw in an entertaining Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup Group A game played on Tuesday in Asmara, Eritrea.

Gil Harel gave Kenya the lead after four minutes with a well taken rebound past the Burundian goalkeeper Osana Irankunda.

But the Burundi side settled after the goal and started dictating the pace of the game with some good passing. After 18 minutes Burundi’s Patrick Nduwimana had his shot blocked by a Kenyan defender.

Kenya’s Kevin Wangaya Injehu later had his well taken loop hit the cross bar after 24 minutes. But the Burundi goalkeeper Irankunda limped out injured after a minute and was replaced by Eloge Ntirandekura.

The two teams continued to create several scoring chances as Kenya went into the break leading 1-0.

The Burundi team returned more determined and attacking in numbers. Florien Inteyiteka leveled for Burundi with a well taken shot that Kenya’ goalkeeper Alvin Odari Lwangu failed to block. The two teams continued to search for goals, but to no avail.

Gustave Niyonkuru, the Burundi coach praised his players for fighting back to equalize. “My boys are tired because we have played three games in five days,” he added.

The Kenyan coach Sagar Lakhani said they played against a strong team. “Although my players are upset they did not win, we need to give credit to the Burundi team,” he added.

The second Group A match today will see Eritrea face Sudan.

Group A standing

P   W   D    L   GF   GA   A   Pts

Kenya     3    3    1    0     8     2      6    7

Burundi  3    3    1    0     5    3     2     7

Eritrea    1    0    0    1     1     2    -1     0

Somalia  2    0    0    2     2    5    -3    0

Sudan     1    0   0     1     0    4    -4     0