Kigali, Rwanda
Uganda’s U-17 national football team, the Cubs, have been crowned CECAFA champions after defeating Somalia 6-5 on penalties following a goalless draw in the final played in Kigali, Rwanda.
Ghanaian tactician Laryea Kingston guided the Cubs to the regional title and qualification for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, completing a successful campaign in which Uganda also claimed three major individual awards.
The final was a tightly contested affair, with both sides showing defensive discipline and creating few clear-cut opportunities.
Uganda sought to control possession through midfield, but Somalia’s compact defensive organisation made it difficult for the Cubs to find a breakthrough.
Yusuf Ssenyonga tested the Somali goalkeeper twice inside the opening 20 minutes, while Somalia forced Uganda’s goalkeeper David Ssegirinya into an important save around the half-hour mark.
Captain Henry Muhoozi fired over the crossbar shortly before half-time as the two sides went into the break level.
Uganda increased the pressure after the interval, with Muhoozi coming closest to scoring when his close-range effort struck the crossbar with 15 minutes remaining.
Somalia nearly snatched victory in stoppage time when captain Mohamud Osman broke through Uganda’s defence, only to send his effort narrowly wide.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the contest went to penalties, where Uganda held their nerve to secure a 6-5 victory.
Muhoozi’s influence in midfield throughout the competition earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, presented by CECAFA Vice President and Somali Football Federation President Ali Abdi Mohamed.
Ssegirinya was named Best Goalkeeper, receiving his award from Ronnie Karakire, First Secretary at the Uganda High Commission in Kigali.
Uganda’s Arnold Kayemba finished as the competition’s top scorer, with his award presented by Richard Mugisha, FERWAFA’s Second Vice President in charge of technical matters.
Ethiopia received the Fair Play Award, presented by Uganda’s Head of Delegation, Mansoor Kabugo.
The victory gives Kingston his first CECAFA U-17 title with Uganda and provides the Cubs with momentum ahead of the continental championship.
