U-17 AFCON Qualifiers: Somalia crowned CECAFA champions
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 15.10.22. | 17:58
Despite the loss, South Sudan will also be heading to Algeria for AFCON as one of the two finalists in the qualifiers
U17 AFCON-bound Somalia are the new CECAFA region champions after seeing off South Sudan 3-1 in the final of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 qualifiers for the CECAFA Zone at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Abdihafid Mohamed Abdi put Somalia ahead after only 7 minutes but South Sudan equalized just three minutes into the second half through Ajo Minari Alex Lomoro before Abdirahin Mohamed Dahir's double sealed the historic victory for Somalia.
Congratulations Somalia, Finalists and Winners of the U-17 AFCON CECAFA Zone Qualifiers. pic.twitter.com/V4gSgh9O8h
— Cecafaonline (@Cecafaonline) October 15, 2022
Nur Mohamed Amin, the Somalia coach said his team has played well and deserved to win, adding that they played as per his instructions
“I am proud of my players who did what I asked them to do,” an elated Amin said.
Amin's sentiments were echoed by Somali Football Federation acting President Ali Abdi Mohamed who hoped that winning the tournament would open opportunities for football development in the country.
“We are very proud of our team and this win will open many other doors towards football development in the country,” Mohamed said.
National U-17 teams of Somalia and South Sudan qualify for the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023. pic.twitter.com/9ghMtZ8nCh
— Cecafaonline (@Cecafaonline) October 15, 2022
In an earlier play-off match, Tanzania beat 10-man Uganda 4-1 on post-match penalties after playing to a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Farouk Lubega gave Uganda the lead but it was canceled by Ally Omar's goal after Uganda's scorer was sent off.
Tanzania scored from all their four penalties with their custodian Alexander Mwakapambika saving two kicks to see his side win 4-1.
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