AFCON U-20
Uganda downs Kenya’s Rising Stars in Cecafa U20 AFCON Qualifiers
Uganda have qualified for the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) U20 final after defeating rivals Kenya 3-1 in the last four on Monday afternoon.
Goals from Ivan Bogere, who scored a brace, and Kenneth Semakula were enough to eliminate the Stanley Okumbi-led charges who scored their consolation late into the game through Enock Wanyama.
The Hippos came into the match expecting a tough outing owing to the Rising Stars’ good run in the competition. The team had managed to defeat Ethiopia 3-0 in Group C before claiming a 2-1 win over Sudan.
Hippos started their campaign with a 0-0 draw with South Sudan before mauling Burundi 6-1 to set a date with Kenya.
It took Uganda 22 minutes to open the scoring against their neighbours. A good move ended up with the ball on Kenneth Semakula who managed to beat the goalkeeper from close range.
Three minutes later, it was 2-0; Kenya were aiming at an instant reply and were caught in a counter-attack. Ivan Bogere managed to keep his cool and double the advantage.
Uganda, deservedly, went into the break with a 2-0 advantage as Kenyans got a chance to strategize and come back stronger.
Even after the break, it was the Hippos who looked likely to get another goal.
It became worse for the Okumbi-coached team when the Rising Stars conceded a penalty in the 63rd minute, and Bogere stepped up to complete his brace and make the scores 3-0.
With 10 minutes to go, Kenya pulled a goal back courtesy of Enock Wanyama, but it was too little too late.
After Monday’s win, Uganda have sealed their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) U20 competition. They will be aiming at finishing the competition on a high with a victory against either Tanzania or South Sudan in the finals.
Credit Source: Goal.com