In a nail-biting final, Zanzibar emerged victorious over hosts Uganda, claiming the CECAFA U15 Championship title at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.
Zanzibar took an early lead through Lukman Omar‘s strike in the 19th minute. Uganda responded swiftly, with Ibrahim Ssebagala restoring parity just 11 minutes later.
Despite both teams’ efforts to break the deadlock in the second half, the game remained tied, forcing a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
Uganda’s Enock Bagenda, Sebagala, and Richard Okello converted their penalties, while Ronald Kigoye and Ratib Gulanyago missed their attempts.
Zanzibar, on the other hand, displayed nerves of steel, with Saleh Mbarouk, Hassan Iddi, Lukman Omar, and Adam Shaaban successfully finding the back of the net. Fahad Hassan was the only Zanzibar player to miss his penalty, but the team’s overall composure proved decisive in their 4-3 victory.
Awarding ceremony — CECAFA U15 Boys Championship 2023
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 16, 2023
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What the coaches said
Despite failing to defend their title, Uganda coach Hamuza Lutalo remained optimistic, highlighting the team’s valuable learning experience and the promising futures of his players.
“We didn’t meet our target, but at least we managed to pick lessons,” Lutalo stated.
“These boys are talented and have huge futures. We continue keeping track on them.”
Zanzibar’s coach, Mohamed Mrishona Mohamed, praised his players’ determination and resilience.
“Not so many people believed in us, but we have tried to prove ourselves,” Mrishona remarked. “We are going to build from this in the next engagements.”
In the third-place playoff, Tanzania secured a 1-0 victory over South Sudan thanks to a solitary goal from Kaniki Seleman.
South Sudan’s hopes for a comeback were further dashed when Victor Elizaya was sent off for a violent confrontation with a Tanzanian player. Additionally, South Sudan missed a crucial penalty in the first half through Lazarus Peter.
This year’s CECAFA U15 Championship witnessed the participation of eight nations: Uganda, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.
CECAFA U15 Championship Results
Third place playoff
- South Sudan 0 Tanzania 1
Final
- Uganda 1(3) Zanzibar 1(4)
Photo Credit: FUFA Media
