Kigali: Rwanda Under-15 National Team defeated Burundi to finish third at the 2019 CECAFA Boys Challenge Cup Tournament which climaxed on Friday in Asmara, Eritrea.
CAF President Ahmad Ahmad together with Football leaders from the Cecafa region graced the finals at the Asmara National Stadium. Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) was represented by Vice President Habyarimana Marcel.
In the third-place match which was played earlier in the afternoon, Rwanda were forced to win the encounter in penalties as they converted 4-2 to edge the Burundian side following a 1-all draw in normal regulation time.
Burundi scored first through Adelard Igiraneza in the 6th minute while Rwanda equalized in the 76th minute through Celestin Uwizeyimana.
Rwanda then sealed the victory in penalties as the Junior Wasps converted four while Rwandan goalkeeper Christian Nsimiyamana saved Fieury Baritonda and Patrick Nduwimana penalty kicks.
After the game, Rwanda Coach Yves Rwasamanzi said, “We won against a strong side. It was luck that we won because Burundi played well, but the equalizer got us back into the game,”
En-route to the bronze medal spot, Rwanda defeated South Sudan 3-0; Ethiopia 3-0, Tanzania 2-1 and lost to Uganda 0-3 in Group B matches. In the semi-final, Rwanda lost to Kenya 2-4 on penalties after a 1-all draw in normal regulation time.
In the final, Ugandan team humbled Kenya 4-0 with the Devis Ogwal and Travis Mutyaba giving Uganda a 2-0 lead at half time before Abasi Kyeyune netted a second half brace to take his tally in the tournament to nine.
Uganda was awarded the trophy and medals while Kenya and Rwanda received silver and bronze medals respectively.
Uganda’s Striker Kyeyune was awarded with the top scorer’s award, Kenya’s Alvin Odari Lwangu was voted best goalkeeper, while Eritrea’s Temesgen Tesfay was voted best player of the tournament.
The tournament financed by FIFA attracted Uganda, Kenya, Eritrea, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tanzania and Ethiopia.(End)