Tanzania win CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup 2021

BAHIR DAR, Ethiopia

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars held their nerves to beat Burundi 6-5 on post-match penalties and lift the Council for East and Central Africa Football Association (Cecafa) Under-23 Cup at Bahir Dar Stadium in Ethiopia on Friday afternoon.

The two teams had settled for a barren draw in regulation time before proceeding to the penalty lotteries which saw Adolphe Hakizimana missing the decisive sixth penalty for Burundi and hand Tanzania the title.

The two teams played a highly cautious and defensive game, with a few scoring opportunities created. It was Burundi’s Adolphe Hakizimana who missed the sixth penalty to hand Tanzania the trophy.

"It’s a great moment and I am happy we came here and won the trophy with little preparation. Burundi was a very good side,’ said Tanzania’s coach Kim Poulsen.

Burundi’s coach Jimmy Ndayizeye thanked Tanzania for the good display. “I want to thank my boys for showing good fighting sprit through out the tournament. It was not our day today in the penalties,” added the coach.

Tanzania's team captain, Israel Patrick Mwenda

The final was also graced by CAF 3rd Vice President Souleiman Hassan Waberi, CECAFA President Wallace Karia and Ethiopia Football Federation (EFF) President Esayas Jira among others.

The regional tournament attracted nine teams with South Sudan finishing third and Kenya in fourth place. In the other classification matches Uganda defeated Eritrea to finish 5th, while hosts Ethiopia where ranked 7th and guest side DR Congo 8th. Djibouti who lost all their two games were placed 9th. - Africa