Kenya sink Sudan to set up Uganda showdown in Cecafa semis

Kenya will play traditional rivals Uganda in the semi-finals of Cecafa Under-20 Championship on Monday after beating Sudan 2-1 in their last Group C match in Arusha, Tanzania on Friday.

Gor Mahia striker Benson Omala scored the winning goal at the death to give Rising Stars the win after a 1-1 score in the normal time at Sheikh Amri Abeid stadium. 

Kariobangi Sharks attacking midfielder Fortune Omoto had put Rising Stars ahead on 62 minutes but Ali Gozoli Nooh equalised five minutes to time to set a stage for a nervous end to the entertaining encounter.

The 18-year-old Gor Mahia striker rose to the occasion deep into added time to score the second goal after receiving a well weighted pass from captain Nicholas Omondi. 

“I thank God for the goal since a win in the dying minutes of the game requires full determination and teamwork. Our eyes are set on winning our next game against a strong Uganda team because our main target is to win this championship and automatically qualify for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2021,” Omalla told Nation Sport.

Omalla has so far bagged two goals after scoring in their 3-0 win against Ethiopia on Monday in the first match for Rising Stars. Kariobangi midfielder Ronald Reagan and his Ligi Ndogo counterpart Enock Wanyama scored a goal each in the game.

The team’s captain Nicholas Omondi was also elated by the last minute win but said they have to work hard as Uganda are not a push over in the competition.

“We have won though I feel we relaxed and allowed Sudan to possess the ball more in the second half. In football sometimes you play ugly and win but what is important is that we have made a step toward achieving our dream of winning this competition,” said Omondi.

The win means Kenya’s Rising Stars lead Group C on six points followed by Ethiopia who beat Sudan 3-2 on three points. Kenya have qualified for the semi-final stage while Ethiopia and Sudan have exited the competition.

The other semi-final encounter will see hosts Tanzania face South Sudan for a place in the final. The two finalists will book a place in next year’s U-20 Cup of Nations.

Sunday’s results

Tanzania 6 Djibouti 1

Monday

Kenya 3 Ethiopia 0

South Sudan 0 Uganda 0

Tuesday

Djibouti 2 Somalia 1

Wednesday

Uganda 6 Burundi 1

Sudan 2 Ethiopia 3

Thursday results

Somalia 1 Tanzania 7

Friday

Kenya 2 Sudan 1

Burundi 0 South Sudan 4