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Tanzania stop Kenya to win Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup
Tanzania are the champions of the regional Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup that climaxed in Uganda on Saturday. An own goal by Kenyan defender John Otieno Onyango in the 45th minute was enough to give Tanzania the win in the final played at the Fufa Technical Center in Njeru.
A good cross in the box with pressure from Tanzania’s high scoring forwards Kelvin Pius John and Andrew Albart Simchimba forced Onyango to divert the ball past his goalkeeper Brian Bwire Okoth.
The two teams were equally marched in the first half before they returned in the second half with Tanzania creating more chances but failing to convert.
After 74 minutes Tanzania’s goalkeeper Razak Ramadhan Shekimweri stopped Patrick Otieno’s well taken free kick. Tanzania also had a chance by Kelvin Pius John that was parried out for a corner.
Coach Zeberi Katwila’s Tanzanian team that finished unbeaten had settled for a 2-all draw against the same Kenyan team in the group stage.
The two teams had played to a 2-2 draw in the group stages before Kenya went on to dispatch Burundi and Eritrea at the quarter and semifinal round respectively. Tanzania dismissed Uganda at the quarter final stage before beating Sudan in the semis.
“We have worked hard to win this title. I am proud of my team and the technical staff,” said Tanzania’s coach Zeberi Katwila. Kenya’s coach Stanley Okumbi said they failed to take their chances.
In the earlier play-off game Eritrea beat Sudan 1-0 finish third. Biniam Mengsteab netted the lone goal after 67 minutes.
Tanzania’s Kelvin Pius John who won the top scorers Award with seven goals was also voted Player of the tournament. Kenya’s Bwire was the goalkeeper of the tournament, while Uganda Hippos won the Fair Play Award.
Nicholas Musonye, the Cecafa secretary general thanked Uganda for hosting a successful tournament and said they will next have the Cecafa Women’s tournament in November in Tanzania.