Day 2: Somalia revive title hopes in Zonal CAF African Schools Football Championship

The Somalia team has revived their title hopes in the Boys category at the on-going Zonal CAF African Schools Football Championship in Uganda.

After kick starting their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Uganda and a draw against Tanzania on Tuesday, the Somalia team defeated Rwanda 2-1 in a tough match played today at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Zakariya Osman gave the Somalia team the lead, and Olivier Nshimiyimana leveled matters. But the Somalia team did not give up and piled lots of pressure to earn a penalty that skipper Bashir Hassan converted.

The win takes Somalia to second place with 4 points, behind Uganda (6 points) who only managed goalless draws against Tanzania and Burundi in matches played on Wednesday.

“We are hungry and will be determined to beat Burundi on Thursday so that we win the Cup,” said Somalia’s Captain Bashir Hassan. The two matches in the Boys category between Somalia and Burundi, and Tanzania against Rwanda will decide which team wins the Cup. Uganda who top the log have played all their 4 matches and can only keep their fingers crossed.

In the Girls category Uganda and Tanzania settled for a goalless draw, while Burundi humbled Rwanda 3-0. Erica Iradukunda netted a brace, while Emelyne Shurwenylmana Emelyne was also on target for the third placed Burundi team that has collected 3 points. Tanzania and Uganda each have 4 points going into the final day on Thursday.

Rwanda will face Uganda, while table leaders Tanzania battle Burundi in the final Girls’ matches to be played on Thursday.

The winners in each category will qualify to represent the Zone at the continental Championship next year. The winner will also bag US$100,000, the runner-up US$75,000, and the third placed US$50,000. The Championship is also supported by the Motsepe Foundation.