The Uganda U18 national football team emerged 2-0 winners in their final group stage match against South Sudan, securing their place in the semifinals of the CECAFA U18 Boys Championship in Kenya.
“We showed a lot of character, especially in the second half,” Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso remarked.
“We missed a lot of chances in the first half but this didn’t deter us from continuing to believe in ourselves. I still feel we can perform at the same level or better in the semifinals,” noted Byekwaso
Richard Okello and Denis Kisiriko each netted a goal for Uganda, propelling them to the top of Group B with six points.
Tanzania and Zanzibar, who drew 1-1, finished second and third with four points each, while South Sudan finished bottom with three points.
Bakari Selemani‘s goal in the 50th minute gave Tanzania a momentary lead, but Zanzibar leveled the score through Shenani Ibrahim in the 72nd minute.
With both Tanzania and Zanzibar tied on points and goal difference, fair play rules determined their fate. Tanzania, with just four yellow cards compared to Zanzibar’s five, advanced to the semifinals.
Uganda will lock horns with Rwanda in the semifinals on Tuesday, while Kenya will face Tanzania in the other semifinal.
Kenya topped Group A with nine points, while Rwanda followed with six points.
Courtesy Photos
