Uganda edged Tanzania 2-1 to win the 2024 U-17 AFCON CECAFA Qualifier Championship at the Hamz stadium in Nakivubo on Sunday Evening.
The Cubs of Uganda came from a goal down after Abel Josiah Samson had put Tanzania ahead with a good left footed shot having driven past Pius Oyirwoth on the left into the box just 11 minutes on the clock.
Agrey Morris’ troops continued pressing Uganda most especially on both wings with Ramadhani Kambangwa and Josiah causing problems to both Oyirwoth and Torach.
Despite getting in three corners in two minutes, Tanzania managed to only hit the crossbar through Hussein Mbengu but the Cubs stayed calm.
Twenty minutes into the game, Hamuza Ssengooba slide at the back only to gift Kambangwa with a glorious chance that put him through on goal but he only managed to hit the crossbar.
Thereafter Uganda were in cruise control creating a couple of chances through Arafat Nkoola and Richard Okello but all went begging as the opening half ended 1-0 in favour of Tanzania.
After the restart, the boys from Dar es Salaam toughened little defensively forcing Uganda to attack from the wide Areas some that forced Cubs head Coach Brian Ssenyondo to let Captain Richard Okello switch wings with Nkoola.
This was done to stop the inverted play and allow the wingers cross the ball more, an action that helped Uganda create better chances and allow the wings more freedom.
A minute before the hour mark, Ssenyondo made a change that saw Okello ejected to bring Enock Bagenda to add more men in the midfield and offer more space for the wings.
After the hour mark, Walusimbi and Isima Magala exchanged some shot passes to put Nkoola through only for Akram Shaban to pull him back but Sudanese referee Abdalaziz Jafar waved off the challenge.
However a minute, Uganda increased the tempo with right back Elvis Torach swinging in a great ball for Nkoola who headed straight into the net to level matters.
Thereafter to cool the pressure, Tanzania brought on danger man Juma Abushiri and striker Juma Sangwe but all in vain Cubs continued to attack with determination and intent.
With a minute left to the 90, Tanzania looked for tired as Uganda resorted to the short passes all around the 18 yard box and it eventually paid off as Magala put on-form James Bogere through on goal only to double hosts lead.
This left the Tanzania side in despair as Uganda players run wild with celebrations but game had to later go on after the fourth official indicated a minimum added time of Five but Uganda defended with all their life to attain the Champions status.
Uganda Cubs side
Edrisah Waibi (GK), Hamuza Sengooba, Brian Ijara, Elvis Torach, Steven Oyirwoth, Abubakali Walusimbi, James Bogere, Isima Magala, Richard Okello (C), Pius Oyirwoth, Arafat Nkoola.
Used Substitutes
Enock Bagenda, Simon Wanyama
Tanzania Side
Abrahman Nassoro, Kassim Juma (C), Abdulnassir Mankarani, Hussein Mbegu, Akram Shaaban, Ramadhani Kambangwa, Abel Josiah Samson, Elick Yusuph, Idrisa Kilendemo, Khamis Mbaruko, Razaki Mbegelendi
Used substitutes
Juma Sangwe, Juma Abushiri
However in the game that preceded, Somalia edged South Sudan 4-2 on penalties after drawing 2-2 at Full time.
That meant Finalists, Uganda and Tanzania are the two sides which qualified for the U-17 AFCON tournament in Morocco next year.
For the 2022 CECAFA region Champions Somalia, they leave the tournament in third place.
Awards
Most Valuable Player- Abubakali Walusimbi
Best Goalkeeper – Abraham Nassoro
Top Scorer – James Bogere
Fair Play – Tanzania
