Kenya edge Uganda to qualify for semis
A Kenyan player leaves his Ugandan opponent on the ground in their quarterfinal clash of the ongoing Copa Coca-Cola Africa Cup of Nations under 16 match at Nakuru High School on December 13, 2018. Kenya won 1-0. PHOTO | SILA KIPLAGAT | NATION MEDIA
What you need to know:
- Kenya pip Uganda 1-0 to set a semi clash against Zambia.
- South Africa eliminated by skilful Nigeria.
- Botswana advance to the semis after kicking Mozambique out of the tournament.
Kenya is through to the Copa Coca-Cola Africa Cup Youth Tournament semi finals after edging out Uganda 1-0 in quarter final matched played ta Nakuru High School grounds on Thursday.
The hosts will take on an ever improving Zambia who beat Tanzania with a similar score line in another quarter final match in the under-16 pan-African tournament.
Kenya needed a second half goal by the Jacob Onyango to beat their western neighbours gave as much as they received from the hosts. Ugandan skipper Thomas Kakaire was a constant thorn in the Kenyan defence well marshalled by Cedric Muchina and Christopher Raila.
Muchina and Raila partnership grew in confidence, managing to contain marauding Ugandan forward line who resorted to long range efforts that were easily dealt with by Kenyan shotstopper Issa Emuria.
After a goalless first half, Kenyan tactician Peter Mayoyo threw in the speedy winger Isaiah Abwal. The substitute’s pace and trickery pinned the Ugandans in their own half before Haron Kibiwott’s lofted cross was turned in by the lanky striker.
In other quarterfinal matches, Nigeria beat South Africa 2-1, while Botswana overcame Mozambique 4-2 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regular time.
