CECAFA U-20 Championship

Eritrea   vs Rwanda (Today)
Uganda vs Kenya

(Thursday)
 
RWANDA’S U-17 youngsters are bracing themselves for a very challenging encounter with hosts Eritrea this afternoon. The Youngsters who are playing in the CECAFA U-20 championship, have already exceeded expectations after storming the last four following Friday’s 1-0 win over Yemen.

But there is no doubt that Eritrea, who topped their group after Monday’s 1-0 win over Kenya will be a huge test for the juniors who are using the event as a build-up for next year’s Africa Junior Championship, which will be hosted in Kigali.

Faustin Usengimana scored Rwanda’s winner against Yemen and team coach Richard Tardy is hoping for more upsets from his lads.   

"We came into the tournament skeptical about our performance but we have given teams a run for their money,” the Frenchman bragged.

"Initially, I thought the boys would struggle to match the other sides physically but I must say - they have faired well in that department too. We are now in the semi-final and are going to give our all.”

Uganda, who topped the other group after Friday’s 3-1 mauling against Zanzibar, play Kenya is the other semi-final contest tomorrow.

Uganda, who won all their three matches finished top with nine points, Rwanda came second with four, guest side Yemen took third place after managing three points while  Zanzibar, who earlier in the tournament had their 2-1 win over Yemen overturned for fielding an over-age player finished bottom of the group with just one point.

The tournament sponsored by the Eritrean government will see the best three teams bag cash prizes and medals.

"We are happy with the way the tournament is unfolding,” said Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye.

Ends