Uganda were on Friday 8 December crowned the winners of the 2023 CECAFA U18 Boys Championships after out-dueling hosts Kenya 2-1 after extra-time in a close finals tie at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.It was the kind of turnaround that accompanied the two-week tournament as after starting off their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Tanzania, Byekwaso Ochama’s men went unbeaten since, leaving their best for last, ultimately dismissing a side that had not tasted defeat prior to the afternoon kickoff, with their start being completely opposite to the eventual champs.F. T#JuniorStars pic.twitter.com/0HQ21m9JwQ— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) December 8, 2023 It was therefore not a surprise to see Kenyan head coach Salim Babu look beaten and out of sorts in the final minutes of the game, a similar picture of his side as it labored through their second extra-time in three days.Fifty seconds into the additional 30 minutes following a 1-1 draw in regular time was all it took for Hakim Mutebi to drive a close shot past Ibrahim Wanzala for the game winner, one that capped a comeback win for the visitors who had initially fallen behind to a Syphas Owour opener after 65 minutes that was later cancelled out by Abasi Kyenune minutes later.Match Summary.As witnessed in Kenya’s previous matches – bar the South Sudan pummeling on the opening day – a slow start ensued in a visibly heated contest here; the only worthy piece of action in the first 20 minutes being an early change for the visitors with Alex Yiga coming in for injured skipper Louis Anguti.16′ Substitution for Uganda Anguti Louis❌️Alex Yiga ✅️#CECAFAU18finals— Cecafaonline (@Cecafaonline) December 8, 2023 Before that, Louis Ingavi had skied a ball from Humphrey Aroko, as did Batiibwe Okello, who threatened late on in the half.Salim Babu, who had for this contest brought in Syphas Owuor and Collins Ongou in place of the duo of Tyron Kariuki and Aldrine Kibet, was then forced to alter his formation after 41 minutes, bringing in Lucas Maina and the aforementioned Kibet for Joseph Khisa.Early indications were that the hosts had struck the right combination when Maina lashed the side-netting with a long range shot, and seemed to trouble the Ugandan backline.Uganda then thought they had taken the lead when Richard Okello sneaked behind Baron Ochieng to slam his shot past Ibrahim Wanzala, only to be flagged offside.##NAJAVA_MECA_7729483##At the half, a let off for Kenya but with few bursts of flash to build on in the second period.The latter was evident as play resumed – coinciding with Tyron Kariuki’s introduction for Elly Owande.Kibet was the first to hang on a chance for Kenya when he shot over, and Owuor was within inches of breaking the deadlock was it not for Abdu Magada’s quick intervention at the back post.Kenya had upped the ante and didn’t take them any longer to take the lead.Uganda 🇺🇬 0-1 Kenya 🇰🇪 That assist from Ibrahim Wanzala was cold!#CECAFAU18 pic.twitter.com/f68NZsHIiy— Cecafaonline (@Cecafaonline) December 8, 2023 Wanzala, who was seconds ago on the turf writhing in pain from a collision with Baron Ochieng, kicked his freekick sky high towards Owuor who with the help of a lucky bounce took control of the ball before hitting it past an onrushing Magada.Sixty five minutes in and there was some dance accompanying the celebrations.Calm and composure was needed to close out the stretch and that was exactly the opposite served when Ochieng conceded a 76th minute free-kick in his half, not to say followed up by a needless yellow card.With the resulting kick, Hakim Mutebi floated in a cross towards goal that deflected off Amos Wanjala for Abasi Kyeyune to slam home – from an unmissable distance.As the Ugandan contingent skipped off in celebration, silence befell the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, as were the closing moments of the contest, one destined to go to the distance.The script was not surely not for Uganda to take the lead fifty seconds into extra time, as they did, when Yiga’s cross towards goal came off Wanzala and on a plate for Hakim Mutebi to direct home with a left footed slam shot.Goaaal!Travis Mutyaba nets a 1 minute goal of extra time. Uganda 🇺🇬 2-1 Kenya 🇰🇪— Cecafaonline (@Cecafaonline) December 8, 2023 Junior Stars, for the second time in this tournament, were asked to dig themselves out of a hole, which they did, only that they – long range attempts from Kibet and Owuor – looked hurried and misadvised.At this time, both Dancan Oluoch and Sigmunn Maina had been summoned to spare the blushes.Huff and puff they did, Magada stood strong to pick up the pieces.After an interesting start, the Kenyan energy had dissipated, and so had their luck. Not that their bitter rivals would care.Tanzania edge Rwanda to finish third in CECAFA U18 Boys Championship
