This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
On Friday, the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) U-15 final will pit Kenya against Uganda in Asmara, with Confederation of African Football president Ahmad Ahmad in attendance.
Asmara was expected to welcome Ahmad on Thursday evening, in time for the final of the inaugural regional under-15 affair that involved 10 teams, funded by Fifa under the “Fifa Forward” programme.
The tournament aims to nurture talents, and Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, saying, “I am glad my long term dream of mobilising the youth of the region is now bearing fruits. We have resources now to be able to organise many women and youth competitions in the region.”
Kenya coach Sagar Lakhani echoed Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the experience gained by the young players, regardless of the outcome of the final.
Kenya secured their spot in the final by beating Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, and Rwanda, and will face Uganda in the final.
Kenya held their nerve to defeat Rwanda 4-2 on post-match penalties in the first semi-final on Wednesday, with Ibrahim Mone Mwaro, Robby Kahindi, Joseph Munala, and Kevin Wangaya converting their penalties.
Uganda thrashed Burundi 6-0 in the other semi-final, and the Cecafa Under-20 Challenge Cup will be held in Gulu from September 14 to 27.
