ZONAL AFCON U-17 QUALIFIERS: Stage set for semi-finals

The semi-final stage for the Zonal qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) U-17 are set after the last group games were played on Friday at the Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu, Rwanda.

After the 1-all draw between Tanzania and Djibouti in a Group B match played today, the two teams made it through to the knock-out stage. Later favourites and the Cecafa U-17 defending champions Uganda defeated Ethiopia 3-0 and the two teams also sailed through.

Oscar Mawa netted a brace for Uganda Cubs, while Ivan Irinimbabazi scored the other to make sure the team kept their unbeaten run in the competition.

Hamuza Lutalo, the Uganda Cubs coach made it clear after the game that they are determined to win all their games and retain the trophy and also qualify for the Afcon U-17 competition. “I am happy that my players are hungry to win every game,” he added.

Uganda Cubs who kick started the tournament with a 5-0 win against Kenya will now face Djibouti in the knock-out stage, while Tanzania take on Ethiopia in the semi-finals to be played on Sunday.

The two teams that reach the final will automatically qualify for the Afcon U-17 to be played in March next year in Morocco.

Group A standing

                       P    W    D    L    F   A   D   Pts

Uganda        2     2      0     0    8    0   8     6

Ethiopia      2     0      1      1    2     5   -3    1

Kenya          2     0      1      1     2     7   -5    1

Group B standing

                         P    W    D    L    F   A   D   Pts

Tanzania      2     1      1     0    4    2   2     4

Djibouti        2     0      2     0    1    1    0    2

Rwanda         2     0      1     1    1    3    -2   1