CECAFA U-20 CHALLENGE CUP: Kenya Rising Stars to face Tanzania in final

Tanzania and Kenya will face-off in the final of the regional Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup at the Fufa Technical Center in Njeru on Saturday. The Tanzanian team stopped Sudan 2-1 in the first semi final game played at the Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu, while Kenya Rising Stars needed an own goal to edge Eritrea in the second game played in Njeru.

Tespsi Evance Theonassy and Kelvin Pius John gave Tanzania a 2-0 first lead before Muhammad Abbas Namir pulled one back for Sudan. The Sudan team tried to attack in numbers but failed to beat the Tanzanian defenders, while Kelvin Pius John’s attempt also hit the woodwork.

“I am happy that after hard work with five matches played we have not lost and have made the final,” said Tanzania’s coach Zeberi Katwila.

In the second semi final match Kenya needed a late own goal by Yosief Mebrahtu after 84 minutes to win the game.

Eritrea who were missing four key players on the squad dominated in the first half but missed some good scoring opportunities. The Kenyan team came all out in the second half and also created some chances. A cross by Patrick Otieno was diverted past defender Mebrahtu past his goalkeeper Haile Kibrom to give Kenya the lead.

The two teams continued to attack, but Eritrea failed to find the next. It will be the second meeting for Kenya and Tanzania in the tournament after they settled for a 2-2 draw in the group stages.

Stanley Okumbi, the Kenya coach said his boys did not play well against Eritrea because they were a little tired after using lots of energy to beat Burundi at the quarter final stage.

“We are going to prepare well for the final against Tanzania because they are a good well balanced team,” added Okumbi.

The regional tournament that is sponsored by FIFA has attracted 11 teams.