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Rising Stars’ dream of participating in the 2021 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations came to a sudden halt on Monday after the team lost 3-1 to traditional rivals Uganda in the first semi-final of the Cecafa U-20 Championship.
The match took place at the Black Rhino Academy in Karatu, Arusha, with another draw between the defending champions Tanzania and South Sudan to be played at the same venue starting at 3pm.
Nineteen-year-old Kenneth Semakula put Uganda Hippos ahead in the 22nd minute, before Ivan Bogere doubled in the 25th and 63rd minute. The Rising Stars consolation goal was scored by Enock Wanyama with 10 minutes remaining .
The loss means the Rising Stars will play the loser of the other semi-final in the playoff for third place on Wednesday before the winner of the match meets Uganda in the final of this year’s edition.
Uganda and the winner of the second semi-final will qualify for the continental finals set for Mauritania.
A dejected Rising Stars captain, Nicholas Omondi, acknowledged that Uganda surpassed them and now they must focus on finishing third.
“We have to keep our heads up and fight for third place. We have missed the African Cup of Nations, which was our main goal and everyone is disappointed. This is football, we have to stay focused before our final “match on Wednesday and I think we can achieve a better result next time in this competition,” said Omondi.
He admitted that Uganda won the battle in midfield and that is why the Rising Stars defenders could not keep up with the fast wingers of the Hippos.
“We were unable to counter them from midfield and some small defensive mistakes cost us. It is sad that we have not managed to improve last year’s performance, but hopefully next time we will do better.”
Coach Stanley Okumbi made a team change with Wanyama, who started off the bench in the 2-1 win against Sudan, handed over a starting role.
