Junior stars edge Tanzania on Shootouts to book CECAFA U18 boys championships finals

Kisumu, 

Tuesday, 5 December, 2023. 

McCreadie Andias 

Junior stars booked their tickets into the CECAFA U18 boys championships finals after knocking out Tanzanian 4-3 on the penalty Shootouts in a match played on Tuesday afternoon at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu. 

Both teams fought to a nill nill draw on both regular 90 minutes and into the extra time to force the match into decisive spot kicks. 

Tanzania started the match creating brilliant chances but failed to capitalize with their first attempt coming in the fourth minute through left-back Ismail Ali who attempted a shot but it went wide off the post following a string of interchanging passes.

Stars head coach Salim Babu was forced into making a change after the break, subbing on Humphrey Aroko for Elly Owade at the break in an attempt to bring his boys back into the match .

Kenya came in strong in the second half creating more threatening chances with Kariobangi Sharks Star Stanley Wilson attempting a shot that forced Tanzania keeper Anthony Mpemba into making an excellent save.

Despite the game heating up, both teams maintained keen on their defense lines forcing the match into extra time. 

After the break, Kenya’s Ciphas Owuor should have put Kenya ahead when he attempted a left-footed shot that forced Pemba into making an excellent save away for a corner with the match heading into the Shootouts. 

Ibrahim Wanzala was the hero of the day as he saved two penalties to send the Junior Stars to the final against Uganda om Friday.

Uganda had overcame Rwanda in the second semi - Final tier.