By Caroline Kanshabe
Uganda came from behind to beat hosts Kenya 2-1 on Friday to emerge the 2023 Cecafa U18 champions in the final game played at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, Kisumu.
Kenya had taken an early second-half lead against the visitors through a 66th-minute goal courtesy of Syphas Otieno Owuor.
Immediately after a medical break, Owour received a long ball from Kenyan custodian Ibrahim Wanzala, controlled it perfectly before slotting it past the Ugandan keeper.
Momemts later, Uganda drew level in the 78th minute courtesy of a foul kick that found SC Villa Midfielder Batiibwe Okello in the box who easily beat Ibrahim between the posts.
The score line remained unchanged going into extra time despite concerted efforts by both sides to break the tie in the final minutes of the game.
But just 50 seconds into the first half of extra time, Uganda took the lead through SC Villa Midfielder Hakim Mutebi.
Kenya fought hard in a bid to restore parity but the Ugandan side remained resilient and held onto the lead until the final whistle.
Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen was among the fans in the parked stadium.
Kenya qualified for the final on Tuesday in the second semi final by beating Tanzania 4-3 on post match penalties after the two sides settled for a barren draw at regulation and extra time.
