CECAFA U-20 CHALLENGE CUP: Burundi’s Niyonkuru happy to qualify for quarters  

Burundi are the first team from Group C to make it to the quarter finals at the on-going regional Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup in Uganda. Gustave Niyonkuru, Burundi’s head coach said he is very happy that they have made it to the quarters.

“These are young players who are playing in a competitive tournament for the first time and getting to the knock out stage is an achievement,” said the head coach.

Skipper Hamimu Hakizimana and Loius Romeo Ndunimana netted for Burundi, while Ahmed Abdul Abdi scored Somalia’s consolation goal late in the match played at the Fufa technical Center Stadium in Njeru on Monday.

Niyonkuru said he is excited because they battled hard against South Sudan and drew 3-3 and now they picked maximum points against Somalia.

“My players were very tired when we played the first game. But we managed to play our style of play against Somalia and I am happy going forward into the knockout stage,” added coach Niyonkuru who also handled the Burundi U-17 team at the Cecafa U-17 Challenge Cup in Eritrea last month.

The second team from Group C to make it to the quarters will be decided on Wednesday when second placed South Sudan face Somalia.

The Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup is sponsored by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).

Group C standings

P    W   D    L   GF  GA  A    Pts

Burundi 2     1    1    0    5    4    1     4

S.Sudan 1     0    1    0    3    3    0     1

Somalia 1     0    0    1     1    2   -1    0