Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA beat Burundi 6-5 on penalties to win this year’s CECAFA Under-23 throne after the end of the tense final match at Bahir Dar International Stadium in Ethiopia. It was Tanzania’s third U-23 title having previously won It in 1995 and 2010.
Uganda, who finished fifth overall in this year’s tournament, have won the tournament record 14 times, making them the best ever in the region so far. It was one of the toughest matches in Ethiopia as Burundi, who have never won it, fought bravery to win this time after narrowly missing the U23 throne twice in 1990 and 2013.
Tanzania who missed the services of first choice goal keeper Metacha Mnata in the semifinal played a cautious game to hold determined Burundi to 0-0 at the end of the 90 minutes. Burundi managed to score five penalties after missing their sixth one while gallant Tanzanian youngsters managed to score all six shots.
Tanzania team’s coach Kim Poulsen said he was delighted to win the silverware as his players were well motivated for the final.
“They were all prepared and ready to give their best in the final,” said Poulsen who was assisted by Shadrack Nsajigwa. He, however, admitted Burundi were very difficult team to play.
Meanwhile Uganda stopped Eritrea 2-1 on Wednesday in a classification match to finish 5th. Najib Yiga and Steven Mukwala netted for Uganda, before Yonathan Goytom scored at the stroke of full time for Eritrea.
To reach the final, Burundi defeated Kenya’s Emerging Stars 4-2 in penalty shootout after a goalless draw, while Tanzania saw off hard fighting South Sudan 1-0 in the other semifinal. Burundi’s coach Jimmy Ndayizeye said that although getting to the final was a good step, winning the trophy would make it much sweeter for his team.
“We were determined to play good football and try to win the trophy. I am very happy with the progress of my young players at this tournament,” said Ndayizeye
