CECAFA U-20: EFFERVESCENT TANZANIA BEAT HOSTS UGANDA 4-2

By Our Reporter, Gulu UGANDA

Tanzania's under 20 effervescent football team, Ngorongoro Heroes has progressed to the CECAFA U-20 semi-finals after beating the host, Uganda's Hippos 4-2 in the regional competition at Pece War Memorial stadium, Gulu, on Sunday evening.

Tanzania's Israel Patrick Mwenda (3) challenging Uganda's Aziz Abdul Kayondo at Pece War Memorial in Gulu, Sunday

Two goals apiece from forwards Andrew Simchimba and Kelvin John inspired Tanzania, coached by Zuberi Katwila the victory over the Hippos in the quarter final played over a slippery Pece turf.

It was Albert Simchimba and Kelvin John who kicked the host bitterly out of the ongoing competition by scoring two goals each.

Uganda’s two goals were scored by Vipers Sports Club left-back Abdul Aziz Kayondo.

That was the second match on the day at the same venue (Pece) following the first game which saw Sudan's 1-0 slim win over South Sudan in the derby.

Uganda set the tempo in the opening stages of the game creating half chances.

The Hippos’ midfielder Ivan Asaba registered a shot off target as early as the 9th minute while Proline forward Ivan Bogere curled over a free-kick from 25 yards four minutes later.

It was Asaba again on 18 minutes with a great run but the Tanzanian defense remained rock solid.

It took the Tanzania side 25 minute to open scoring celebrations through Andrew Simchimba who finished a distant free kick taken by Israel Patrick Mwenda.

Against the run of play, Simchimba beat a static goalie Jack Komakech with a header for the opener.

Uganda’s midfielder Steven Sserwadda had a free-kick from 30 yards well pocketed by Ngorongoro heroes’ goalkeeper Ally Salim Katoro on the half-hour mark.

Israel Patrick Mwenda of Tanzania got cautioned eight minutes to halftime as Tanzania took a slim 1-0 lead heading to the mandatory break.

Upon restart of play, Uganda Hippos technical team led by Morley Byekwaso introduced Isma Mugulusi for Najib Yiga.

Uganda drew level two minutes into the half with a thunderbolt from Kayondo at an acute angle.

Simchimba restored the lead for the visitors on the hour mark with another glancing header.

KCCA forward Sadat Happy Anaku replaced the hardworking Bogere with twenty minutes to play.

Kayondo scored his personal second goal on the day, the equalizer for Uganda in the 74^th minute, albeit in familiar fashion.

Belgium based striker Kelvin John scored two quick late goals, giving Tanzania a comfortable lead and a place in the semi-finals at 88 and 90 minutes respectively.

Uganda's defensive problems began to show right at the start of the tournament.

The hosts conceded a goal in each group stage game they played, the climax being a 3-3 draw with Eritrea.

Coach Morley Byekwaso while speaking ahead of the quarterfinal with Tanzania, said he was not bothered about his team conceding goals but the outcome of the match suggests that maybe there was cause for concern.

Byekwaso also chose to field Proline FC striker Ivan Bogere in the starting lineup despite playing on Saturday in the CAF Confederation Cup against AS Kigali. Bogere looked jaded for much of the quarterfinal.

Tanzania joined Kenya, Eritrea and Sudan.

Sudan had edged neighbours South Sudan 1-0 during the early kick-off in Gulu.

At the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, Kenya overcame Burundi 2-1 in the first game before Eritrea humiliated islanders Zanzibar 5-0.

Semifinals

Sudan takes on Tanzania in Gulu and Eritrea will play Kenya.

Both semi-finals will be played on Wednesday, 1^st October 2019.

Team Line Ups:

Uganda XI: Jack Komakech (G.K), Joseph Kafumbe, Aziz Abdul Kayondo, Gavin Kizito, Kenneth Semakula, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Sadam Masereka, Najib Yiga (46’ Isma Mugulusi), Ivan Asaba, Steven Sserwadda, Ivan Bogere (70’ Sadat Anaku)

Subs: Denis Otim (G.K), Patrick Mubiru (G.K), Kevin Ssekimbegge, Robert Kitabalwa, Derrick Kiggundu, Bright Anukani

Tanzania XI: Ally Salim Katoro (G.K), Saimon Gastapha Runkomba, Oscar Geofrey Masai (Captain), Naffal Kelvin Nashon, Abdul Hamis Suleiman, Israel Patrick Mwenda, Nickson Job Dickson, Tepsi Advance Theonassy, Dismas Novatus Miroshi, Andrew Albart Simchimba, Pius John Kelvin

Subs: Razack Ramadhan Shekimweri (G.K), Maseke Wibol Changarawe (G.K), Ali Shomari Kibwana,  Lusajo Elukaga Mwaikenda, Franck George Kihole, Ally Hussein Msengi, Justin Mayaya Onesmo, Gadaf Ramadhan Said, Said Suleiman Luyaya

Head coach: Zuberi S. Katwila (Tanzania)

Match Officials:

·         Center Referee: Lemma Neguissea (Ethiopia)

·         1^st Assistant Referee: Yetayew Belachew (Ethiopia)

·         2^nd Assistant Referee: Ali Mahad (Somalia)

·         4^th Official: Ally Nassor Mfaume (Zanzibar)

·         Match Coordinator: Yussuf Mossi (Burundi)

·         Referee Assessor: Ghirmai Yohannes (Eritrea)

·         Technical Study Group: Nick Yakhama (Kenya)

·         Media Officer: Ahmed Hussein Marsha (Uganda) 

- Africa