Uganda thrash Kenya to lift inaugural CECAFA U-15 tourney

Kenya U15 player dribbling past Rwanda players during their Cecafa U15 Challenge Cup semifinals on August 28, 2019, at Asmara Stadium, in Eritrea [Courtesy]

Uganda U15 team were yesterday crowned the inaugural Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup champions after thrashing Kenya 4-0 in finals at Asmara Stadium in Eritrea.

Abasi Kyeyune scored a brace in the second half to inspire the Ugandans to an emphatic victory over their long-time football rivals. This was Kenya’s first defeat in the two-week regional youth tournament.

The national junior team had finished top of Group A with an unbeaten record after victories over Somalia (3-1), Sudan (4-0), hosts Eritrea (2-1) and a 1-1 draw against Burundi.

The Sagar Lakhani trained side then saw off Rwanda 4-2 in penalties in the first semifinal after a 1-1 draw in regular time on Wednesday while Uganda demolished Burundi 6-0 to qualify.

Davis Ogwal just needed 12 minutes to break the deadlock before Travis Mutyaba doubled the lead from a free kick in the 22nd minute.

Kyeyune hit a brace in the second half to help the Ugandans lift the regional trophy.

In an earlier third-place playoff tie, Rwanda edged out Burundi 4-2 in post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in the regular time.

Adelard Igiraneza had given the Rwandese side an early sixth-minute lead only for Celestin Uwizeyimana to cancel it out midway through the second half forcing the match into penalties.

Rwanda scored all their four spot-kicks with their goalkeeper Christian Nsimiyamana saving Fieury Baritonda and Patrick Nduwimana’s penalties.