CECAFA U-20: TANZANIA BEAT SUDAN 2-1 TO FACE KENYA IN THE FINAL

By Our Correspondent, Gulu UGANDA

Tanzania's Ngorongoro Heroes became the first team to confirm their slot at the on-going CECAFA Under-20 Challenge Cup in Uganda.

The Tanzanians overcame Sudan 2-1 in the physical semi-final played at Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu.

Ngorongoro Heroes's right back, Israel Patrick Mwenda and usual suspect Kelvin Pius John scored two first half goals to inspire Zuberi S. Katwila's side.

Tanzania right back Israel Patrick Mwenda scored the first goal for his team with a thunderbolt at 36th minutes and Kelvin John netted the second goal at the stroke of half time ensured that the Heroes reached the finals after they had dispatched the hosts in the quarter final stage.

The final stages of the contest was nail biting after Sudan pulled one back in the 55^th minute through Mohammed Abbas setting stage for a lively exchange and a battle for supremacy.

Abbas followed up with a simple tap-in at the back post after goalkeeper Razack Ramadhan Shekimweri had fluffed Ahmed Mahmoud Ali’s initial harmless goal on target on 52 minutes.

Musab Kurdman Elsidiq was denied by the solid Tanzania defense and Ahmed Mahmoud Ali missed a free header off a free kick from Ali Osama Mohamed.

The two sides remained on course with different objectives.

Tanzania defended well as Sudan continued to attack with no break through.

Today’s goal makes Kelvin John the top scorer of the tournament with Seven goals ahead of his team mate, Andrew Simchimba who has six goals to his credit in a tournament featuring 11 teams.

Ngorongoro started off the campaign with 4-0 win against Ethiopia, they were then held to 2-2 draw by Kenya, before beating Zanzibar 5-0 to reach the quarter finals.

Tanzania's team went on to beat hosts Uganda 4-2.

The Heroes will face Kenya again in Saturday’s final at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Kenya out-witted Eritrea 1-0 during the second semi-final match in Njeru.

Team Line Ups:

Sudan XI:

Mohamed Elnoor Adam (G.K), Mohamed Osama Ali (Captain), Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed, Wagella Gafar Elamin, Ahmed Mahmoud Ali, Esam Moumen, Ammar Yaseraboalqassem, Musab Kurdman Elsidiq, Ibrahim Mohamed Elfaki, Shihab Eldeen Siddiq Abdalrahman, Mohamed Abbas Namir

Substitutes:

Abdalla Yagoob Abdalla (G.K), Altaher Mohamed Altahir, John Otengal Khames, Ammar Mohamed Kannou, Mustafa Nagi Hassan, Ahmed Nadir Mansoor, Zahir Dahia Ishaq, Albager Ali Eljamri

Head coach: Mohamed Mousa (Sudan)

Tanzania XI:

Razack Ramadhan Shekimweri (G.K), Israel Patrick Mwenda, Gastapha Saimon Rukomba, Dickson Nickson Job, Kelvin Nashon Naffal, Abdul Hamis Suleiman, Kelvin Pius John, Tepsi Advance Theonassy, Novatus Dismas Miroshi, Oscar Gofrey Masai (Captain), Andrew Albart Simchimba

Substitutes:

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

Head Coach: Zuberi S. Katwila (Tanzania)

Match Officials:

• Center Referee: Lemma Neguissea (Ethiopia)
• 1st Assistant Referee: Yetayew Belachew (Ethiopia)
• 2nd Assistant Referee: Ronald Katenya (Uganda)
• 4th Official: Israel Mpaima (Kenya)
• Match Coordinator: Othman Suleiman Mbarouk (Zanzibar)
• Referee Assessor: Ghirmai Yohannes (Eritrea)
• Technical Study Group: Nick Yakhama (Kenya)
• Media Officer: Ahmed Hussein Marsha (Uganda)