Eritrea’s national football team have made history by finishing second in the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

The Eritrean team lost 3-0 to hosts Uganda in the final of the regional tournament played at the StarTimes Stadium in Kampala on Thursday.

Skipper Robel Michael Tekle and Ali Suleman Ibrahim had decent chances to score for Eritrea but failed to beat Uganda’s goalkeeper Charles Lukwago.

Bright Anukani gave the hosts the lead in the first half before defender Mustafa Kizza and substitute Joel Mudondo scored to second half goals to give Uganda a 3-0 win.

added two more goals for Uganda Cranes. Eritrea’s captain Robel Michael Tekle together with Ali Suleman Ibrahim came close thrice, but found Uganda’s goalkeeper Charles Lukwago up to the task.

Eritrea’s coach Efrem Haile Alemseghed said they lost to a good side. “It has been a good experience for my team because we played five matches, won two, lost two and drew once,” added the coach.

“I am happy that the boys have worked hard and won the trophy. It is a good tournament we have used to prepare for the 2020 Africa Nations Championship because we have won all the five games,” said Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry after the game.

To reach the final Eritrea beat the defending champions Kenya 4-1, while Uganda stopped Tanzania 1-0.