Saturday November 25, 2023
Photo Credit: Somali Athlete
Watch the match LIVE HERE:
Kisumu (HOL) — Under the vast sky of Kisumu, the CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship unfolds on Saturday, a veritable feast of football that brings together the brightest young talents from East and Central Africa. At 12:00 PM local time, the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium will come alive as Somalia faces Rwanda in a match that's more than just a game; it's a curtain-raiser for a festival of football, where dreams are nurtured, and stars are born.
Group A's lineup is a tapestry of regional football powerhouses: Kenya, Somalia, Rwanda, and Sudan, each bringing their unique style and fervour to the pitch. Under Coach Omar Ahmed's strategic eye, Somalia is ready to showcase its growth and ambition. "The team is well prepared and ready to start with a win," Ahmed states, his words echoing the newfound confidence of a team still riding high from their exploits at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. The inclusion of Abdihafid Mohamed, the standout striker who missed the AFCON U-17 Tournament due to a contentious age verification issue, adds a new dimension to Somalia's attack, potentially tipping the scales in their favour.
Rwanda, steered by Baptiste Kayiranga, enters the fray with equal determination. "The team is ready and looking forward to making a good start in the group," says Kayiranga, reflecting the spirit of a team ready to defend its national pride on this grand stage.
Kisumu, the heart of this football fiesta, is more than just a host. As Prof. Anyang Nyong’o, the Governor, puts it, "Kisumu City is no doubt the headquarters of football in the region." His words paint a picture of a city that's not just a venue but a crucible where football talent is forged and celebrated.
Group B's contests, set to commence tomorrow at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, promise their own tales of rivalry and skill. Tanzania, Zanzibar, South Sudan, and Uganda will battle each other to secure a coveted position in the final. The matchups are not just games but narratives waiting to unfold, each with its own set of heroes and dramas.
Photo Credit: Somali Athlete
The championship is a showcase of the region's emerging football talent, and it plays a vital role in preparing teams for the upcoming AFCON U-20 qualifiers. Yussuf Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Director, underscores this importance."The competition is essential in readying teams for the challenges they will face in the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 qualifiers," he said.
As the best two teams from each group march towards the semi-finals, with the play-offs for third place and the finals scheduled for December 8th in Kisumu, the stakes are as high as the hopes and dreams of each player. This is where legends are made, where every pass, goal, and save writes a new chapter in the annals of East African football.
The Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), the oldest sub-regional football organization on the continent, is once again expected to orchestrate a symphony of football that resonates beyond national borders. Watch the match LIVE HERE:
