Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup: Burundi struggle to silence Somalia

Burundi’s youngsters have picked their second win at the on-going Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup in Asmara, Eritrea. Coach Gustave Niyonkuru’s team struggled but managed to silence the Somali team 2-1 in the Group A match played at the Asmara National Stadium on Sunday.

After lots of dominance by the Somalia team, the Burundi team fought back to take the lead after 22 minutes through Jean Charlemagne Iteriteka against the run of play.

But the Somalia team continued to dominate play before they scored at the stroke of half time through Ali Mohamed Nur.

In the second half Somalia continued to press for a second goal, but a defensive lapse gave Burundi opportunity to reclaim their lead. Florien Interiteka scored after 74 minutes with a shot that Somalia’s goalkeeper Omar Abdinasir failed to stop.

Somalia’s head coach Ignatius Osei-Fosu Kwame was cautioned for complaining. The win takes Burundi second on the log behind Kenya who have the same number of points (6) but a better goal difference.

The Somali coach Kwame said his team played really well although said few silly mistakes cost them. “I am very happy with the exposure my players are getting in this tournament because it’s not about winning, but learning,” added Kwame.

Niyonkuru praised his players for the good fighting spirit. “I think my boys were too confident and that affected their approach. But am happy they fought back and won,” said the Burundi coach.

On Monday action will shift to Group B with Tanzania facing Uganda, while South Sudan take on Ethiopia.

Group A standing

P   W   D    L   GF   GA   A   Pts

Kenya     2    2    0    0     7    1      6     6

Burundi  2    2    0    0     4    2     2     6

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