Uganda break Kenyan hearts to lift 2023 CECAFA U18 title

The Kenya national under 18 team suffered a painful 1-2 defeat in the hands of Uganda as they missed out on the coveted 2023 CECAFA U18 title following a tough finale staged at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu on Friday afternoon.

The Ugandans got the job done after coming from behind by first forcing the game to extra time through Batiibwe Okello's strike that had cancelled Syphas Owuor's goal for Kenya in the 65th minute.

Hakim Mutebi then ensured the title went back to Kampala with an extra time strike that the Ugandans dearly held onto on their way to securing the regional title.

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The match started on an electric pace with the visitors controlling much of the possession as Junior Stars tried to close them down.

Kariobangi Sharks midfielder Humphrey Aroko missed a golden chance to put Kenya ahead in the 14th minute. All Aroko had to do was to place the ball into the back of the net but his weak shot was well dealt with by the Ugandan custodian Abdou Magada. 

After the miss, Uganda started to control the game, constantly attacking Junior Stars’ defense, with the Kenyan backline led by captain Amos Wanjala, making a number of key interceptions to prevent the opponents from scoring.

As the proceedings went on, Kenya upped their game with striker Louise Ingavi finding several goal scoring chances.

Junior Stars head coach Salim Babu introduced Lucas Kungu and Adrine Kibet in the 40th minute in place of Aroko and Joseph Omuse to try to see if the Kenyan youngsters could get an opener before halftime.

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The substitution could have had an instant impact but Kungu’s long range shot narrowly missed the target. 

Two minutes later, Uganda nearly shocked Kenya when they scored a goal but it was ruled out for offside by the linesman.

At the start of the second half, Babu made another substitution introducing Dandora-based star midfielder Tyrone Kariuki in place of Elly Owande.

The change made a huge impact with Kenya starting to take the game to the Ugandans. However, it was Syphas Owour’s moment of magic in the 65th minute that broke the deadlock.

Owour, who is a product of the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) chested a pinpoint pass from Kenyan goalkeeper Ibraham Wanzala before unleashing a clever low shot that left Uganda’s goalkeeper diving aimlessly as the ball kissed the back of the net. 

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However, it only took 10 minutes before Uganda equalized after a mix up in the penalty box allowed Batiibwe Okello to tap in from close range with a strike that forced the game to extra time.

The Ugandans made it 1-2 immediately after the start of the extra thirty minutes through Hakim Mutebi to sink Junior Stars and ensure his team returned to Kampala with the trophy.

In the earlier playoff match, Tanzania beat Rwanda 3-1 to finish third in one of the best ever organized under 18 tournaments in the region.

Tanzania’s goals came courtesy of Said Said, Zidane Ally and Mshetu while Ndayishimiye Didier scored Rwanda’s consolation goal.

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Uganda not only earned the region’s bragging rights but will also pocket Ksh 2,400,000 in prize money. 

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, his transport counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen, and Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa were in attendance to support Junior Stars.