Uganda’s under 17 team ‘Cubs’ has emerged winners of the Total Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Zonal Qualifiers.
Cubs will be representing the region to the 2019 Total CAF U17 Africa cup of nations after defeating Ethiopia 3-1 in the final at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on last evening.
Speaking after the game Uganda’s U17 Head Coach Peter Onen said the team has been strong since the second game in the tournament. “We have revenged against the Ethiopians. I’m very proud with the boys,” added.
“They have been so determined and followed whatever we planned. I thank my technical team for the work done it was a collective achievement. FUFA thank you for supporting and giving these young players chance to play,” he said.
Uganda’s U17 opening goal came in the first 15 minutes when defender Kasozi Samson’s header from the sixth Uganda corner of the game was on target to put the Cubs ahead.
At the beginning of the second half Uganda Cubs tactician Peter Onen brought on Vipers SC Junior team midfielder Ivan Asaba for Yiga Najib who had an attempt just after coming on but his shot was inches wide.
In the 61st minute Thomas Kakaire released Iddi Abdu Wahid in the center of the park to double the lead for Uganda.
Alou John Kokas came in eight minutes to the end of the game before Iddi Abdu Wahid scored the third from Asaba’s minus in the 85th minute.
Onen made his final change with Mwaka Polycap replacing Iddi Abdu Wahid in the 89th minute.
In added time Ethiopia got a consolation from a spot kick converted by Mintesnot Wakjira after Kasozi Samson handled the ball in the area.
Tanzania’s captain Kevin John was named tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Ethiopia’s Mintesnot Wakjira took the top scorer accolade with 8 goals.