Uganda 1-1 Tanzania: Kobs bow out of 2021 CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup

2021 CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup:

• Group A: Uganda Kobs 1-1 Tanzania U23
• Group C: South Sudan 2-0 Djibouti

Uganda’s U-23 team (Kobs) got eliminated from the 2021 CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup tournament ongoing in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

The Kobs failed to win for the second consecutive time, playing to a one-all draw with traditional arch-rivals Tanzania during the two countries’ respective second games.

Uganda started on a false note, missing a penalty through Steven Dese Mukwala on the opening quarter-hour mark.

Then the Tanzanians took the lead through Raphael Brynson’s well-struck penalty in the 31^st minute.

The lead lasted for only 9 minutes before Mukwala tapped home past goalkeeper Boniface Mnata Metacha as the two sides ended one-goal apiece heading to the mandatory halfway mark.

Uganda remained soul searching for the remaining 45 minutes to no avail.

With less than 20 minutes to play, the Kobs technical team called for a double change.

Julius Poloto and Bright Anukani were rested for Abdallah Salim and forward Ivan Bogere respectively to add fire power upfront.

Karim Watambala got cautioned in the 78^th minute for unsporting conduct.

Tanzania remained solid as Uganda sought the winner that never arrived.

Uganda ends the group stage campaign with two points and DR Congo on one point.

As Uganda plans for the classification games, Tanzania booked a berth to the semifinals as the best country in Group A with four points.

Tanzania faces South Sudan and Kenya will play Burundi at the last four stage.

Team Line Ups:

Uganda XI: Charles Lukwago (G.K), Enock Walusimbi (Captain), Azizi Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Peter Magambo, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Bright Anukani (71’ Ivan Bogere), Karim Watambala, Julius Poloto (71’ Abdallah Salim), Najib Yiga, Steven Mukwala

Subs Not Used: Denis Otim (G.K), Saidi Keni (G.K), Sadam Masereka, Derrick Kakooza, Gavin Kizito, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Steven Sserwadda, George Kaddu, Hakim Kiwanuka

We had a hard game against Tanzania where we also tried to create scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, we conceded early and missed a penalty. We made a come back but I believe this was not our day. We shall plan for the remaining ranking games.

Morley Byekwaso, Uganda Kobs Head coach

Officials:

• Head coach: Morley Byekwaso
• Assistant coach: Simoen Massa
• Goalkeeper Trainer: Steven Billy Kiggundu
• Team Doctor: Emmanuel Nakabago
• Kits-manager: Samuel Mulondo
• Team manager: Bashir Mutyaba

Tanzania XI: Boniface Mnata Metacha (G.K), Israel Patrick Mwenda (Captain), Nickson Clement Kibarage, Lusajo Elukaga Mwakenda, Israel Bajana Sospeter, Abraham Meshack Mwamita, Reliant Llusajo Mwakasagule, Kelvin Nashon Naftal, Hamza Mohammed Abdulrazak, Yusuph Valentine Mhilu, Lucas Kikoti

Subs: Joseph Mkele (G.K), Pascal Gaudence Msindo (G.K), Erick Edson Mwijage, Daniel Johannes Ngore, Haji Mubaraka Amani, Wilbol Changarawe Maseke, Oscar Godfrey Masai, Rajab Hassan Athuman, Andrew Sinchimba, Abdulmajid Yahaya Mangalo

Officials:

• Head coach: Kim Poulsen
• Assistant coach: Shadrack Nsajigwa
• Goalkeeper Trainer: Philip Mo Mapunda
• Team Doctor: Hamisi Kisongo Lisobine
• Physiotherapist: Elias Gilbert Kigadye
• Fitness coach: Elieneza Nsanzanzeru
• Kit manager: Ali Ruvu

Match officials:

• Center Referee: Saddam Houssein (Djibouti)
• Assistant Referee 1: Rashid Wais (Djibouti)
• Assistant Referee 2: Micahel Gebru Eyobiel (Eritrea)
• Fourth official: Thierry Nkurunziza (Burundi)
• Referee Assessor: Ali Ahmed (Somalia)
• Technical Study Group: Omar Muhammed (Djibouti)
• Security officer: Hassan Abdulrasak (Ethiopia)
• Commissioner: Hassan Amir (Somalia)
• General coordinator: Michael Emiru Beley (Ethiopia)
• Assistant General Coordinator: Yacoub Elimi (Djibouti)
• Media officer: Ramadhan Kibuga (Burundi)
• Doctor: Dr. Sabuni Norman (Tanzania)