Uganda emerged as the CECAFA U-18 Champions on Friday evening, staging a comeback to defeat Kenya 2-1 in a thrilling final at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo, Kisumu.
In a fiercely contested match, MOFA Academy’s Syphas Owuor scored in the 65th minute, giving Kenya the lead after a goalless first half. With 12 minutes remaining, Batiitwe Okello equalized for Uganda from a corner, taking advantage of poor defending by the hosts and silencing the enthusiastic Kenyan fans.
Despite a golden opportunity missed by Aldrine Kibet to extend Kenya’s lead, Uganda dominated the game, forcing the match into extra time. In the first half of extra time, Hakim Mutebi, the championship’s MVP, dealt a blow to Kenya by scoring the crucial winner after another defensive lapse.
Kenya, in their search for an equalizer and a chance to force penalties, faced a resilient Ugandan defense, but the visitors held on to secure the lead until the final whistle.
Kenya secured two individual awards, with Ibrahim Wanzala, who provided an assist for Stars’ goal, winning the Golden Glove for keeping three clean sheets. Aldrine Kibet, a fan favorite, walked away with the Golden Boot after scoring three goals in the championship.
Fans are hopeful that the entertaining performance by Junior Stars provides a glimpse of what to expect in the future.
