EALA to take on Uganda in Soccer finals
The script is the same. However, the question on everyone’s lips is whether EALA shall maintain the tempo or if defending champions, Parliament of Uganda shall succeed in seeking vengeance when the two teams meet for the second time in the tournament - but this time around in the grand finale.
In the earlier group stages played during the week, EALA displayed crisp passes and held their own beating Uganda 2-1. Can they repeat the feat? or will Parliament of Uganda carry the day and win the tournament for the fifth time in a row? Time will tell but the matter shall be settled with finality on 10th December.
Today, EALA beat Parliament of Rwanda by a solitary goal notched in by Ibrahim Jamal after a one-two combination with Wyclif Ketto at the Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo to book a place in the finals.
In an earlier game, Parliament of Uganda beat a strong Parliament of Kenya 4-2 in post-match penalties following a goalless match in an entertaining match.
EALA started the game purposely with Wycliff Ketto missing to tap in the ball in the 5th minute with the keeper Emile Bosabose beaten. Ernestte Nshyimiyana replied with a counter-attack after dispossessing Hon Straton Ndikuryayo but he failed to beat the advancing EALA Goalkeeper.
Parliament of Rwanda thereafter piled pressure with creative striker, Rt Hon. Bernard Makuza leading the attack but the defence line marshalled by Peter Asiimwe and Hon. Straton Ndikuryayo held on.
Parliament of Kenya on their part will, however, rue over the missed chance. Right winger, Hon. David Ochieng had a field day, constantly running over the Parliament of Uganda left full-back, but the striking pair of Hon. Victor Munyaka and Hon. Augustin Netto failed to convert the passes. Hon. Shiniali then came in and made marauding runs on the left flank.
Parliament of Uganda also raided the Kenya backline looking for an early goal. Hon. Peter Ogwang fired a volley into the net past Kenya’s keeper, Hon. Kanini Kega but was adjudged to be offside.
The extra-time of ten minutes each was a balanced affair with each Parliament attacking and counter-attacking.
Parliament of Uganda scored four spot-kicks through Hassan Tindyebwa, Hon. Odonga Otto, Daniel Ssekide and Hon. Patrick Nsanja. Parliament of Kenya scored through Joram Baraza and Hon. Karanja while Stephen Njatta and Hon. Shinali penalties hit the woodwork.
“We failed to convert our chances, we could have wrapped it in the first half but it was not our day”, Kenya’s Head coach, Sylvester Ocholla was quoted as saying.
In women’s volleyball played at the Petite Stade, Parliament of Kenya beat Parliament of Uganda by 2 sets to 0 to book a final slot with Parliament of Rwanda. The Kenyans won both sets (25-13) and (25-15) respectively.
In the second match of the day (women), Parliament of Rwanda dismissed EALA 2 sets to 0. Parliament of Rwanda was too strong for the EALA side whitewashing them (25-5) and (25-10) in both sets.
The netball finals are expected to be held at the Amahoro Stadium tomorrow. Parliament of Rwanda will meet EALA in the 3rd and 4th place match before Uganda and Kenya face off to determine the winner. Also taking place at the Kigali Golf Club, Nyarutarama is golf.