Late, late goal sinks brave Stars

PHOTO | MOHAMMED AMIN 

Zanzibar players break into celebration after their 6-5 victory over Tanzania in the third-place 

playoff on post-match penalties at Kampala’s Nelson Mandela Stadium on December 8, 2012.  

NATION MEDIA GROUP

By STEPHEN OUMA in Kampala
Sunday, December 9  2012 at  00:00

Uganda clinched their 13th Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup when they snatched victory at the death to win an absorbing final against brave Kenya at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.

Geoffery Kizito scored the winner in the second minute of time-added on to break the hearts of Kenya who had scored a few minutes earlier through Edwin Lavatsa to cancel out Robert Ssentongo’s deflected shot into goal in the first half.

In the third-place play-off, Zanzibar came from a goal down to beat Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Stars 6–5 on post-match penalties.

This was the first time in two years that Kenya was playing in the  Cecafa Challenge Cup final, having featured in 2009  against Uganda Cranes in Kampala, and losing 0–1.

Kenyan entered the pitch trying to emulate the spirit exemplified by the gallant Harambee Stars players who defeated Uganda Cranes in the 1982 Cecafa Challenge Cup finals in Kampala after a penalty shoot-out.

Dependable defender

But laxity in defence, questionable officiating by the referee, injury to dependable defender David Owino, adding to already four injuries to the team, cost Harambee Stars a possible sixth title.

It was a real Cup final with spectators being kept on their toes as both teams made attacks and counter attacks into each other’s half.

Both teams went in search of early goals in a highly charged match handled by Burundi referee Thiery Nkuruzinza before an estimated crowd of 30,000.

Harambe Star’s Mike Baraza surged ahead forcing Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Hamza Muwonge to hurry from his line and deal with the danger.

The home side missed an open chance when Robert Ssentongo failed to control the ball in the box with only Harambee Stars goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng to beat.

The Kenyan team got a setback in the 15th minute when defender Owino suffered a muscle pull and was substituted by Kevin Omondi.

Owino’s gap was immediately felt in the 27 the minute when Uganda Cranes striker  Moses Oloya crossed a high ball to Ssentongo, who in turn shot in goal deflecting on the defence into the net. Kenya should have equalized minutes later when Clifton Miheso set up Lavatsa, who hit the far goal post.

Kenya equalized through  Lavasta in the 86rd minute after dribbling past Ugandan defence before Kizito dramatically ended the affair.

Uganda Cranes coach Bobby Willaimson said it was a hard match and stiff challenge from the Kenyans.

The thrilling third place play-off, officiated by Ugandan referee Dennis Batte, was played at a fast pace as the Zanzibar side received support from local fans due to rivalry between Uganda and Tanzania.

Zanzibar missed a dozens chances that came their way especially in the first half and would have been heart-broken had they not carried the day.

Seif  Rashid Abdalla fumbled in the box with only Tanzania goalkeeper Juma  Kaseja to beat for Edward Nyoni to clear out of danger.

Source: Sunday Nation