Uganda are the 2023 CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA qualifiers champions.
Uganda emerged victorious in both the boys’ and girls’ categories in the regional tourney that concluded at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday.
In the girls’ final, Uganda triumphed over Kenya with a 2-1 score. Kenya initially led with Lindey Weey Atieno’s early free-kick goal.
However, Uganda equalized before half-time through Shadia Nabirye, followed by Shaluwah Butini securing their win with a second goal. This victory ensures Uganda’s participation in the Continental Finals next April.
The boys’ final saw Uganda defeating Tanzania 4-2 in penalty shootouts, following a 1-1 draw at full time. Ugandan players shone in individual awards, with Simon Wanyama claiming the top scorer’s title and Achraf Kyakuwa named the best player.
The event, hosted by Kenya, was graced by several dignitaries. Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and the Arts, expressed gratitude to CAF and CECAFA.
Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa, South Sudan Football Association’s Augustino Maduot, FUFA’s First Vice President Justus Mugisha, and FKF Vice President Doris Petra were among the attendees at the awards ceremony.
The CECAFA qualifiers attracted significant participation, with six teams in the boys’ category and five in the girls’. Uganda’s dual victory highlights their prowess in school-level football within the region.
CAF African Schools Football Championship | CECAFA Zone Awards Ceremony:
Boys Division
Fair-Play Award – Kenya
Best goalkeeper – Abraham Nassor (Tanzania)
Top scorer – Simon Wanyama (Uganda)
Best Player – Achraf Kyakuwa (Uganda)
Bronze medal – Kenya
Silver medal – Tanzania
Gold medal – Uganda
Girls Division
Fair-Play Award – Kenya
Best goalkeeper – Huda Ayikeru (Uganda)
Top scorer – Shadia Nabirye (Uganda)
Best Player – Lindey Weey Atieno (Kenya)
Bronze medal – Tanzania
Silver medal – Kenya
Gold medal – Uganda
