Cecafa 2019: Cranes Edge Tanzania To Make Finals

Uganda Cranes has set a date with Eritrea in the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup final after their hard fought 1-0 against Tanzania on Tuesday at StarTimes Stadium Lugogo.

Vipers SC striker Fahad Bayo scored the only goal for the Johnathan McKinstry coached side in the 86th minute courtesy of Mustafa Kizza’s cross to send them into finals.

Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry saluted the fighting spirit of his charges as keenly eyes the final as a golden opportunity to win the silverware.

“I salute the players for the strong mentality shown and great fighting spirit in all the matches played. We need to work together as we look forward the final against Eritrea. We need to win it’ McKinstry said after the game.

In the first semifinal encounter, Eritrea knocked out defending champions Kenya with a huge 4-1 win to make finals.

Oscar Wamalwa (own goal), Abel Solomon Okbay, Michael Habte Gebremesqel and Robel Kidane found the goals for Eritrea while Wamalwa scored the consolation for Kenya.

Uganda Cranes and Eritrea will be facing off in the final of the tournament at StarTimes Stadium Lugogo on Thursday.

This tie will be a repeat of the group A contest where Uganda Cranes went on to win 2-0.

Uganda Cranes will be eyeing their 15th title of this tournament, their first since 2015 when they last won it in Ethiopia.

Meanwhile, the two semifinal losers in Kenya and Tanzania will be battling for third place at StarTimes Stadium Lugogo on Thursday.