The Red Sea Boys of Eritrea kick started the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in style with a 1-0 win over Burundi in a Group A match played at the StarTimes Stadium in Kampala on Monday.

After playing a highly passing game, but missing several scoring opportunities, Robel Kidane netted the only goal at the stroke of half time after.

Burundi also had skipper Rachid Harerimana with two good chances that he faild to finish past Eritrean goalkeeper Solomon Omun Haile Kibbroum.

In the second half it was again a highly passing game especially by coach Haile Efrem Alemseghed’s team, but failed to score more goals.

“I am happy that my players handled the game well today and dominated. But we need to improve on the striking department,” said Eritrea’s coach Alemseghed.

Burundi’s coach Alain Olivier Niyunoeko said he was disappointed to suffer a second defeat in the tournament. “We tried to play but again the finishing is a problem,” added the coach. Burundi are now virtually out after also suffering a 2-1 defeat in their first game against Uganda.

In the second game Uganda beat Somalia 2-0 to maintain their lead in Group A with 6 points, while Eritrea are second with 3 points.

Eritrea will next face Uganda on Wednesday before completing the Group stage with a game against Somalia on Friday.

Group A standing

                 P     W     D     L     GF    GA    A    Pts

Uganda   2     2       0     0      4       1     3     6

Eritrea     1     1       0     0      1       0     1     3

Djibouti   1     0       1     0      0       0     0     1

Somalia   2     0       1     1      0       2    -2     1

Burundi   2     0       0     2      1       3     -2    0