The Uganda Cranes lifted the DSTV CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup after overcoming Rwanda 1-0 in Addis Ababa. Ceaser Okhuti’s 14th minute header was enough to hand Cranes their 14th CECAFA Cup, which is a record.
In highly contested game, it was Uganda who dominated possession and attempt on goals in the opening minutes. Their effort came to fruit when the unmarked Ceaser Okhuti headed home from close range to give Uganda the lead. Amavubi came close to equalize through Jean Baptiste Mugiranzea, who saw his effort denied by Ismail Watenga.
Amavubi throw everything to level matters but failed to get one. The win made Uganda a record 14th times winners of the oldest African football tourney. Cranes midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba named man of the match.
Hosts Ethiopia beat neighbor’s Sudan 5-4 on penalties for the third place play-off. Elias Mamo gave Walias the lead through a fantastic long range strike. Walaaeldin Musa Yagoub equalized for Sudan eight minutes from time with a superb volley inside the box. Both sides headed to penalty shootout in which Walias triumphed 5-4 after keeper Yidnekachew Kidane saved Atahir El-Tahir’s penalty. Ethiopia’s Elias Mamo named player of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Cranes custodian Ismail Watenga won the Goalkeeper of the tournament award. Atahir El-Tahir of Sudan, who scored 5 goals, landed the top goal scorer award. Coach of the tournament went to the Northern Irish coach of Rwanda Johnny Mckinstry.
