FinalRwanda 0-1 Uganda

Third PlaceEthiopia 1-1 Sudan (pen 5-4)

Rwanda’s sad story continues in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup as Amavubi once again came so close yet so far to winning the competition that has eluded them for the past 16 years.

Rwanda has met Uganda four times in the final of the annual regional tournament and Amavubi have ended on the losing end on all four occasions, the latest coming on Saturday in Ethiopia.

However, Rwanda head coach Johnny McKinstry was named coach of the tournament, which can only be a consolation prize, while Ethiopia’s Elias Mamo took the award for the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Cranes’ custodian Ismail Watenga was name best keeper.

The two countries first contested the final of the regional tournament in 2003, again in 2009 and 2001, so Rwanda went into this year’s final at Addis Ababa National Stadium, seeking to reverse their awful record against their biggest rivals.

But, as it ended on the previous three occasions, it was again the Ugandans, who had the last smile, proving that they’re by far the better team in the region with a record-extending 14th title. 

Amavubi Stars have to wait again another year to try and add to the sole trophy they won 16 years ago.

The Uganda Cranes goal was netted by Ceaser Okhuti on the 15th minute when he headed home Denis Okot’s dipping cross from the right flank. Okhuti benefitted from a lapse in concentration by Amavubi right back Michel Rusheshangoga and goalie Eric ‘Bakame’ Ndayishimiye.

Uganda, under former Amavubi coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojovic, dominated the game, especially in the first half with their physicality.

Apart from the goal, Uganda had one other real attempt on add to their tally, while Rwanda had two shots on target through Jean-Claude Iranzi. 

In second half, Amavubi upped their game but without creating any meaningful scoring opportunities as Uganda continued to dominate. Cranes captain, Farouk Miya, 20, and Ivan Ntege coming close to increasing their lead but both were denied by Ndayishimiye.

In first half, Somali referee Hassan Mohamed booked Cranes midfielder Murushid Jjuuko for elbowing Jacques Tuyisenge in the chest. Tuyisenge, Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza and Iranzi attempted but failed to beat Watenga, 20.

Rusheshangoga, who returned to the starting line-up after missing two group games as well as the quarter and semi-finals due to injury, was replaced by Fitina Omborenga in the second half. 

Dominique Savior Nshuti was replaced by Djihad Bizimana while Iranzi was replaced by Enest Sugira but despite the changes, Uganda still held on to deny Rwanda the title.

In the third place playoff match, hosts Ethiopia beat Sudan 5-4 on penalty shoot-outs, after both sides drew 1-1 in regulation time.

Uganda took home US$30, 000 on top of the trophy while losing finalists Rwanda got US$20,000 and Ethiopia pocked US$10, 000.

Awards:

Top Scorer: Atahir El-Tahir 5 goals (Sudan)

Player of the Tournament: Elias Mamo (Ethiopia)

Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Ismail Watenga (Uganda)

Coach of the Tournament: Johnny McKinstry (Rwanda)

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