Eritrea face Uganda in 2019 CECAFA Challenge Cup final

In-form Eritrea will battle Uganda Cranes in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2019 final this afternoon at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo. Coach Efrem Haile Alemseghed’s team will be chasing their first ever regional trophy, while record winners Uganda Cranes target their 15^th title.

Eritrea humbled defending champions Kenya 4-1 at the semi finals stage, while Uganda Cranes scored late to stop Kilimanjaro Stars of Tanzania 1-0.

“We are not scared about the Ugandan team because we know what kind of football they play. We lost tow them 2-0 in the Group stage and this time we are more than prepared,” said Alemseghed.

Eritrea’s skipper Robel Michael Tekle told Cecafafootball.com that they are determined to re-write football history for their country. “We want to make Eritreans happy by winning this trophy,” added the captain.

Eritrea will look to Tekle who has played a pivotal role, Robel Kidane and Ali Suleman Ibrahim who have been key to the team.

But the Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry whose team has won all the matches in the tournament ahead of the final said his players are hungry to win the trophy. “Many of the players on the team are young and have never won this trophy. They are so motivated to win,” added the coach.

McKinstry said although they beat Eritrea 2-0 in the Group stage, they have a lot of respect for their opponents who have played good football coming to the final. Uganda Cranes will look to the duo of Fahad Bayo and Allan Okello who have netted two goals each in the tournament already.

But before the final Kenya will face Tanzania in the play-off for third place. Kenya beat Tanzania 1-0 in the Group stage of the same tournament.