Uganda beat Rwanda 1-0 to win the 2015 Cecafa Cup

Uganda were crowned 2015 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup champions on Saturday beating Rwanda 1-0 in the final in Addis Ababa.

The Cranes won the competition for a record-extending 14th time thanks to a 15th minute strike from Ceaser Okhuti.

It caps a great year for Uganda.

The Cranes are the only team in the Council for East and Central African Football Association region to reach the group stage of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

It was a particularly satisfying victory for Uganda’s coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojovic.

Micho previously coached Rwanda, taking the Amavubi to the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup final in 2011, only to lose to Uganda on penalties.

Saturday’s final was another tight affair, with both sides squandering chances.

Uganda Cranes skipper Farouk Miya, who also missed from close range, was thrilled his side held on for the victory.

“We are happy to win the trophy again since 2012,” said Miya.

“This will be a good motivation for us ahead of the 2016 Africa Nations Championship,” he added.

Uganda, alongside Ethiopia and Rwanda – have all qualified for the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be staged in Rwanda starting in January.

Earlier on Saturday hosts Ethiopia took third place in the Cecafa Cup in Addis Ababa.

They beat Sudan 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after the play-off match had ended 1-1.

“I am happy that the team has played their hearts out and managed to finish third out of all 12 teams,” said Ethiopia coach Yohannes Sahle.

Ethiopia had gone 1-0 up early on in normal time through Elias Mamo.

Sudan, who finished second in 2013, equalised with a goal from Walaaeldin Musa Yagoub.

It remained 1-1 with the match being decided on penalties.

Sudan’s Atahir El Tahir had his penalty saved to hand third place to Ethiopia.