Aldrine Kibet, Ibrahim Wanzala shine in 2023 CECAFA U18 Awards

8th December 2023

The two Junior Stars players bagged awards in 2 of the three categories.

Aldrine Kibet. PHOTO| Mitume
Aldrine Kibet. PHOTO| Mitume
SUMMARY
  • Kenya lost the title after being beaten by Uganda 1-2 in the final.
  • Syphas Owuor gave Kenya the lead in the 65th minute.
  • Goals from Batiibwe Okello and Hakim Mutebi saw Uganda complete the turnaround to lift the title.

Ugandan forward Hakim Mutebi bagged the 2023 CECAFA U18 Championship Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after helping his nation clinch the prestigious title.

Mutebi was a key player in Uganda’s success, scoring the match winner in the end to end final to help Uganda beat hosts and pre-match favorites Kenya 2-1 in front of a fully packed Jomo Kenyatta Stadium.

He was picked over a number of star players from the region including Kenya’s Aldrine Kibet who had an excellent tournament.

ALSO READ: Uganda break Kenyan hearts to lift 2023 CECAFA U18 title

However, Kibet did not return home empty handed, winning the golden boot award after enjoying the best returns in front of goal through the whole tournament.

Kibet, who continues to nurture his football skills in Spain with the Nastic Football Academy, netted three goals to help Junior Stars reach the final.

The Eldama Ravine local was a thorn in the hearts of defenders during the entire tournament, with his pacey and breathtaking dribbling skills causing them opposition problems.

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The Golden Glove award also went to Kenya with Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper Ibrahim Wanzala clinching it.

Wanzala had a good tournament between the goal posts, conceding only one goal in open play before the final in the first half of the Kenya vs Somalia clash.

The talented custodian who has been tipped for success in the future by many football experts also saved two match-winning penalties in the semifinal clash against Tanzania which ended 4-3 in favor of Junior Stars after the post-match spot kicks.

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The other teams that graced this years’ edition include Rwanda, Zanzibar, Sudan, and South Sudan.

2023 CECAFA Under 18 Awards

Most Valuable Player (MVP) - Hakim Mutebi

Golden Boot winner – Adrine Kibet (3 goals)

Golden glove winner – Ibrahim Wanzala (3 clean sheets)

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