Ngorongoro Heroes win silver after penalty shootout defeat

DAR ES SALAAM: NGORONGORO Heroes settled for silver after losing 4-3 on penalties to Sudan in the final of the CECAFA U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The two sides battled to a goalless draw in regulation time before the final came alive in extra time.

Sudan broke the deadlock in the 93rd minute through Omer Ahmed, putting the visitors within touching distance of the regional title.

But the Ngorongoro Heroes refused to give up and were rewarded for their persistence when Abdulnassir Abdallah equalised in the 112th minute to make it 1-1 and send the match into a penalty shootout. Sudan eventually prevailed 4-3 from the spot to claim the CECAFA U-20 title, while Tanzania took home the silver medal.

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Despite missing out on the trophy, the Ngorongoro Heroes’ run to the final secured their qualification for the 2027 U-20 AFCON finals, alongside champions Sudan. In the third-place play-off, Uganda defeated Burundi 2-0 to claim the bronze medal.

Derrick Ssozi gave Uganda the lead in the 22nd minute before Ashraf Kyakuwa doubled the advantage in the 82nd minute to seal third place.