Tanzania’s Herman Mpepo surges forward under pressure from Sudan’s Ahmed Ibrahim during their CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup match at the Lugogo Complex in Kampala, Uganda on December 14, 2019. PHOTO/Timothy Olobulu
KAMPALA, Uganda, Dec 14 – Hosts Uganda Cranes will take on Tanzania in the semi-finals of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup after picking a draw in their final group match against Sudan in Kampala on Saturday evening to finish second in Group B behind Kenya with four points.
Uganda had already affirmed their place in the semis as Group A winners after picking up three wins on the trot while Kenya will know their semi final opponents after the final round of group matches on Sunday.
Kilimanjaro Stars head coach Juma Mgunda says he expects a tough game against the home side, but believes his squad is god enough to challenge for a place in the final.
“When we came here, we came to compete to the last day. We are facing the hosts and a very good team. I have a lot of respect for Uganda and I know it is not going to be easy. In the AFCON 2019 qualifiers we played to a draw here and I know if we do our best we can win,” stated the tactician.
Just like Zanzibar, Sudan just needed a win to progress to the semis and they pounded the Tanzanian backline, doing everything right but pick the right pass in the final third.
Mohammed Abbas Namir had two chances in the first half with shots from range but they were well saved by Tanzania keeper Aishi Manula.
In the second half, the Sudanese had more chances. In the 65th minute, Montasir Osman played a brilliant through ball to Namir, but his effort on the left foot was over.
Two minutes later, Osman had a chance for himself when he brilliantly controlled a long ball from Ammar Mohammed, but the finish didn’t match the first touch as he blasted the ball over with only Manula at his mercy.
The Tanzanians managed the time well and ensured they guarded their rear, though Sudan planted long ball after long ball in the final quarter hour in search of a goal.
