The Cecafa U-23 Challenge Cup play-off match between Kenya’s Emerging Stars and South Sudan will now be played on Thursday afternoon in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
The playoff match was initially meant to be played on Friday July 30, but a change was made by CECAFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the tournament.
Emerging Stars lost 4-2 on post-match penalties to Burundi, denying them a chance to feature in their maiden final while the Bright Stars lost 1-0 to Kim Poulsen’s Tanzania on Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of the match, both coaches have expressed confidence in their sides and each is smelling victory.
“We are happy to get this far in the tournament and want to revenge against Kenya who beat us in the group stage,” said James Yor, the South Sudan coach.
His counterpart Staney Okumbi said he will rotate his team for this match against South Sudan. “Despite not getting to the final, I am happy with the progress of the players,” added Okumbi. In the group stage Kenya defeated South Sudan 2-0.
Meanwhile, hosts Ethiopia finished in 7th place after defeating guest side DR Congo 2-1 in a classification match played on Wednesday. Uganda also defeated Eritrea 2-1 to finish 5th.
Asrat Tonjo Yoylo and Chernet Gusa Beshal netted for Ethiopia, while Kimvuidi Kiekie Karim scored for the DR Congo team. In the second game Najib Iga and Steven Mukwala gave Uganda a 2-0 lead before Yonathan Goytom pulled one back with few minutes to full time.
The final of the CECAFA U-23 Challenge Cup between Tanzania and Burundi will be played on Friday July 30th.