Goalkeeper David Dean Ssegirinya was the hero as Uganda Cubs edged Somalia on penalties to elevate the CECAFA U-17 Championship after a goalless last at Kigali Pele Stadium on Monday.
The 2 sides remained locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes and 4 minutes of added time, forcing the regional last to be determined from the penalty spot.
Somalia had produced a disciplined show to frustrate a Uganda aspect that had scored 12 targets in its earlier three matches, however the Cubs stored their composure when the competition went to penalties.
Ssegirinya proved decisive, saving three penalties to assist Uganda safe the trophy.
The shootout remained tense, with each goalkeepers making necessary interventions. Somalia goalkeeper Khalid Mohamed saved Arafat Ibanda’s penalty, giving the Ocean Stars a possibility to take management of the competition.
Rooble Muhamed then stepped as much as take Somalia’s decisive fifth penalty, however Ssegirinya produced an important save to maintain Uganda within the contest.
The Uganda goalkeeper’s intervention shifted the momentum again within the Cubs’ favour because the shootout continued.
Henry Muhozi, Sebastian Fisher, Arnold Kayemba, Nicholas Kawoya, Martin Kayiwa and Junior Ofoyrwith all transformed their penalties for Uganda, whereas Sumaku Mutawakali and Arafat Ibanda had been denied.
Uganda ultimately held their nerve to finish the shootout victory and declare the CECAFA U-17 crown.
The ultimate itself was a carefully fought affair, with Somalia exhibiting little worry in opposition to a Uganda workforce that had been among the many match’s most spectacular sides.
The Ocean Stars defended with self-discipline and likewise threatened going ahead, significantly through the closing levels.
Uganda had a promising free kick within the 83rd minute however didn’t make the chance rely, earlier than Somalia created openings of their very own within the last minutes.
Mahmoud Osman, who had been one among Somalia’s standout gamers all through the match, got here near producing a late winner however couldn’t convert his likelihood in stoppage time.
The impasse in the end remained intact, sending the groups right into a shootout the place Ssegirinya’s saves made the distinction.
The victory caps a formidable marketing campaign for the Cubs, who had already secured qualification for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Somalia additionally secured their place on the continental match, which means each finalists go away the CECAFA championship with AFCON qualification.
For Uganda, nonetheless, the marketing campaign ends with regional silverware, with Ssegirinya’s three penalty saves offering the defining second of a dramatic last.
Associated
