By Robert Kayindi James
Uganda Cranes captain Farouk Miya struck the last penalty as they booked a date with neighbours Rwanda in the finals of the 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.
The Thursday fixture played in Addis Ababa against hosts Ethiopia ended in a goalless draw after 120 minutes played.
Cranes’ custodian Ismail Watenga was the day’s hero after he saved Panom Gathuoch’s first penalty kick before all Ugandans netted theirs.
The penalty takers included; Muzamiru Mutyaba, Denis Okot, Isaac Muleme, Joseph Ochaya and skipper Farouk Miya who netted the last to send Uganda into the finals where the Amavubi Stars of Rwanda had already booked their spot.
In the first semi-final played on the day, Rwanda settled for a 1-1 draw with 2013 losing finalists of Sudan after 120minutes sending them into penalties. Rwanda eventually won the duel on a 4-2 penalty shootout.
The Amavubi Stars now stand in the Cranes’ way of clinching their 14th CECAFA title with the final set to be played on Saturday.
Uganda Cranes XI: Ismail Watenga (GK), Bernard Muwanga, Denis Okot, Richard Kasagga, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Ivan Ntege, Frank Kalanda (Isaac Muleme), Erisa Sekisambu (Kezironi Kizito), Ceasar Okhuti (Muzamiru Mutyaba) and Miya Farouk (Capt)
Subs Not Used: Mathias Kigonya (GK), Joseph Nsubuga, Nelson Senkatuuka, Shafiq Bakaki, Hassan Dazol Waswa, James Alitho (GK)
Ethiopia XI: Abel Mamo, Nejib Sani, Anteneh Tesfaye, Aschalew Tamane, Zekariyas Tuji, Ellyas Mamo,Ramkel Lok, Aschalew Girma, Panom Gathuoch, Beneyam Belay,Mohammed Naser Subs: Yidnekachew Kidane
(G.K), Belahilu Girma, Yihun Endashaw, Addisu Tesfaye, Yared Bayeh, Bereket Yishak
2015 CECAFA Semi-finals results:
Uganda Cranes 0 (5) – 0 (3) Ethiopia
Rwanda 1 (4) – 1 (2) Sudan
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com