Tanzania and Kenya managed to win their first game of the 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup Today to go top of their respective groups.
In the earlier kickoff, Tanzania defeated regional minnows Somalia 4-0 courtesy of goals from John Bocco and Elias Maguri.
It didn’t take long for Azam striker John Bocco to make his presence felt as he converted an 11th minute penalty to give his side the lead. Elias Maguri doubled Tanzania’s lead in the 17th minute with a simple tap in, while both Bocco and Maguri scored 1 goal each in the second half to give their side firm control of the group.
Taifa Stars, as the Tanzanian national team are popularly known, will now play Rwanda on Tuesday at the Hawassa Stadium before ending their group games on Saturday with a clash against hosts Ethiopia.
Goals from Jacob Keli and Michael Olunga were enough to give defending champions Kenya a comfortable 2-0 victory over tournament favorites Uganda.
The game billed as the ‘biggest of the tournament’ was closely fought between the 2 East African giants but it was Kenya that claimed the victory after showing a bit more composure upfront to convert their chances. 2013 Kenyan Premier League top scorer Jacob Keli gave his country the lead in the 29th minute with a fine finish after receiving a wonderful defense splitting pass from Eric Omollo. Soon after, Uganda skipper Farouk Miya was set up by Ssekisambu but his shot from inside the box hit the crossbar.
Michael Olunga came on for Jacob Keli at half time and the move proved fruitful as the striker doubled Kenya’s lead in the 48th minute after some good work by Clifton Miheso on the left flank.
Uganda threw everything forward in an attempt to get back into the game but couldn’t produce any clear cut chances as Kenya hang on to secure the win.
International football will return to the Bahir Dar National Stadium Tomorrow as South Sudan faces Djibouti, while Sudan squares off against guest team Malawi.
