Aik Football Club, home to Eritrea’s skipper Henok Goitom are facing tough times in the 2019/2020 Swedish Football League (Allsvenskan).

With 17 matches played Goitom’s team has collected only 17 points and are placed 12^th on the 16 team League table.

Aik will return to action on Sunday hoping to collect maximum points against Haeken FC to improve their standing on the log. Last Sunday they picked a deserving 2-0 win against Helsingborg FC.

The 36-year old Goitom who also skippers and plays a pivotal role in the team has this season managed to score five goals. Ghana’s duo of Ebenezer Ofori and Enoch Kofi Adu are the other two African players featuring for Aik.

Malmö who have won a record 23 titles in the Swedish League are top of the log with 38 points, while Eifsborg FC are second with 31 points collected.

The FIFA Foundation and UPL Ltd. On Tuesday announced a new collaboration agreement that will see the two organisations work together to promote and raise awareness about sustainable development in agriculture and education in society through football.

As part of the new memorandum of understanding (MoU), the FIFA Foundation and UPL will work together to use football as a platform to raise awareness about several key social and environmental issues, including the positive impact that sustainable development, environmental protection, educating young people and leading a healthy and active lifestyle can make within society.

In particular, UPL will collaborate within the FIFA Foundation’s Football for Schools Programme, designed to engage children in interactive education sessions focused on developing life skills and promoting values through football.

Furthermore, UPL will also coordinate access to the FIFA Football for Schools Programme for up to 30 schools in rural areas in Brazil, as well as engaging with local authorities in key markets.

UPL and the FIFA Foundation will also work together to support sustainable development objectives and environmental protection efforts through a ten-year programme that will enable the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and reward smallholder farmers in developing markets for adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

The new MoU between the FIFA Foundation and UPL was signed today at a high-level ceremony at the FIFA museum in Zurich, with Gianni Infantino (FIFA President and President of the FIFA Foundation Board), Mauricio Macri (Executive Chairman of the FIFA Foundation), Youri Djorkaeff (FIFA Foundation CEO) and Fatma Samoura (FIFA Secretary General) in attendance together with Jai Shroff (Chief Executive Officer, UPL) and Diego Lopez Casanello (Chief Operating Officer of UPL).

The world Football governing body, FIFA is joining forces with the African Union, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to jointly address the issue of domestic violence by launching the #SafeHome campaign across the African continent.

The initiative is designed to support women and children victims of domestic violence, particularly as stay-at-home measures in response to COVID-19 have put them at greater risk.

A number of African football stars are supporting the campaign via video awareness messages distributed on social and traditional media.

The African Union-FIFA-CAF memorandum of understanding, which was concluded in February 2019, covers joint campaigns on topics of mutual interest and the promotion of gender equality, a key principle. Other areas of collaboration include education through football, sports integrity and safety and security at football matches.

“I am glad that today we can launch this campaign on the important topic of domestic violence, which is significantly exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdown conditions and movement restrictions, together with our partners, the African Union, WHO and CAF,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday. “It is our duty to leverage the immense popularity of football in Africa to raise awareness on this societal challenge with a very clear message: violence has no place in homes, just as it has no place in football.”

H.E. Amira Elfadil, African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs, emphasized that the African Union Commission is resolute and committed to the protection of women and girls.

“We recognise and align ourselves with FIFA, CAF and the World Health Organization and other stakeholders on the efforts aimed at preventing abuse and domestic-based violence through collaborative programming that links reconstruction, access to the continuum of service, addressing the underlying social norms and harmful practices that continue to perpetuate gender-based violence and inequality, as well as community awareness and empowerment,” said Elfadil.

He said the African Union aligns ourselves to leverage the popular appeal of football to raise awareness against domestic violence, particularly as stay-at-home measures in response to COVID-19 are in place.’’

“Violence against women is a major threat to women’s health and that of their children,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It is also a grave violation of human rights – and it must end now. WHO is proud to stand with FIFA, the African Union and CAF to launch this campaign across Africa to bring attention to this critical issue. We are committed to a world where women live free from violence and discrimination.”

CAF President Ahmad Ahmad stated: “Whether at home or on the pitch, everyone is entitled to respect and safety. Domestic, physical or moral violence, especially against women and children, must be condemned. Do not be afraid or ashamed to seek help if you are a victim of violence in your own home. If you are a witness to violence, intervene or get help, but do not stay silent: remaining silent is to be guilty of complicity. Never forget that everyone has a right to live in safety in their own home.”

The #SafeHome campaign launched on Tuesday across Africa is part of a wider global initiative to raise awareness on this critical issue. In Africa, the awareness videos feature nine football stars – Abel Xavier, Emmanuel Amunike, Sarah Essam, Khalilou Fadiga, Geremi, Rabah Madjer, Lúcia Moçambique, Asisat Oshoala and Clémentine Touré – who convey a series of key messages to the public. The campaign is being published on various FIFA digital channels and African Union and WHO channels. #SafeHome is also being supported by multimedia toolkits for FIFA’s member associations and for media to help facilitate additional localisation and to further amplify the message worldwide.

FIFA is calling upon its member associations to actively publish details of national or local helplines and support services that can help victims and anyone who feels they are at risk of domestic violence in their locality.

The world governing body also calls upon its members to review their own safeguarding measures using the FIFA Guardians toolkit to ensure that football is fun and safe for everyone in the game, especially women and the youngest members of the football family.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has asked member Associations to improve their stadiums and match facilities during this period interrupted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a circular dated July 26^th and signed by CAF Acting General Secretary, Abdelmounaim Bah, he made it clear that since stadiums are the core of football, the member associations must improve them.

“Please note that all CAF competitions matches must be played in stadiums homologated by CAF. A stadium will not be approved where it receives a negative report resulting from an inspection visit or match,” said Bah.

He made it clear that if a country’s stadium does not fulfill certain requirements, their national team/ clubs may be required to play their matches in an approved stadium in another country.

Among some of the identified main points which are considered as must have requirements in order for a stadium to be approved for high level matches; high quality of the pitch, floodlights of at least 1200 LUX, teams and officials’ benches, individual seats in the stadium, international clean and decent dressing rooms, sanitary facilities for spectators, media facilities, flagpoles, stadium control rooms and first aid and treatment facilities for players, officials and spectators among others.

He also made it clear that secondary aspects that could lead to temporary approval of a stadium include; emergency lighting system, public address system, public access and egress, and dedicated parking for spectators among others.

The Acting CAF Secretary General also said they will soon host an online video conference session with all the MA’s to discuss the club licensing system, the status of national leagues and stadium infrastructure.

The world football governing body, FIFA has announced that the five substitute option will be extended into 2021 in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Following the decision taken on 8 May 2020 to give competitions scheduled to be completed in 2020 the option of allowing teams to use up to five substitutes, The IFAB Board of Directors had agreed to review whether to extend this option further.

On the basis of this in-depth review, which included stakeholder feedback and an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on competition calendars, the IFAB Board of Directors has extended the option to competitions scheduled to be completed by 31 July 2021 and to international competitions scheduled in July/August 2021.

The main reason for the temporary amendment to Law 3 – The Players was the impact on player welfare of competitions being played in a condensed period and in different weather conditions. The recent review has shown that the reasons for the temporary amendment remain valid and the impact on player welfare is likely to continue into 2021 due to various factors, including:

Some competitions which resumed in 2020 may have a shorter-than-usual recovery/preparation period before the start of their next season.

For many competitions, the 2020/21 season will involve matches being played in a condensed period due to a delayed start and the inability to end later than usual because of major international tournaments.

There are no changes to the details of the temporary amendment to the Laws of the Game, which will allow for a maximum of five substitutes to be used per team. However, to avoid disruption to the game, each team will only have three opportunities to make substitutions, although substitutions made at half-time are not counted as one of the three opportunities.

The decision on whether to apply this temporary amendment remains at the discretion of each competition organiser.

The changing impact of the pandemic on football will be kept under constant review to ensure appropriate action is taken in the future in relation to this temporary amendment.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is busy drawing plans for the Women’s Champions League.

In an interview on Monday, CAF’s Acting Secretary General Abdel Bah made it clear that there is a lot they are planning for women’s football.

“We are currently working on a CAF Women’s Champions League. I hope we will be able to give more details very soon,” said Bah.

He also made it clear that they are determined to develop women’s football in the continent. “Development of women’s football is one of our top priority,” he added.

About the Women’s Nations Cup, Bah said they have received proposals from Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. “CAF has asked for additional documents from these two member associations, which we are still awaiting today,” he added. Congo pulled out as the original hosts of the Women’s Nations Cup.

Eritrea is one of the nations in Africa developing women’s football. They took part in the CECAFA U-17 Championship in Uganda and the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship in Tanzania.

The world Football body, FIFA have pledged US$10 million to support the Coronavirus (COVID -19) Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organistion (WHO).

FIFA and WHO have teamed up to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by launching a new awareness campaign led by world-renowned footballers.

Through the campaign, dubbed “Pass the message to kick out Coronavirus” football stars are promoting five key steps for people to follow to protect their health in line with WHO guidance, focused on handwashing, coughing etiquette, not touching your face, physical distance and staying home if feeling unwell.

“FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino have been actively involved in passing the message against this pandemic since the very beginning,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the virtual launch of the campaign at WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Twenty-eight players are involved in the video campaign, which is being published in 13 languages. They include Samuel Eto’o, Lionel Messi, Michael Owen, Carlos Puyol, Philipp Lahm, Park Ji-sung, Xavi Hernández, Gianluigi Buffon, Sami Al Jaber, Iker Casillas, Mido, Yaya Touré, Alisson Becker, Miroslav Klose, and Carli Lloyd, among others. 

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the campaign will enable some of the greatest players to have played the beautiful game of football to put their names to the campaign with a united desire to pass the message to kick out COVID-19.” 

“We need teamwork to combat the Coronavirus,” said Infantino. “FIFA has teamed up with WHO because health comes first. I call upon the football community worldwide to join us in supporting this campaign to pass the message even further.”

It starts with your hands,” says Alisson Becker, the WHO Goodwill ambassador for health promotion, Liverpool FC and Brazil goalkeeper, and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, 2019. “Please wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based solution.” 

He said that such frequent washing with soap and water, or preferably with an alcohol-based hand solution kills viruses.  

Carli Lloyd, the two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner from the United States advised the public to cover the nose and mouth with a bent elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing, adding that “by following respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from contracting viruses, such as cold, flu and Coronavirus.”

FC Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi equally used the campaign to advise the public against touching the face, particularly the eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the virus from entering the body. 

Messi, the Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2019, and a multiple FIFA Ballon d’Or winner emphasized that Hands touch too many surfaces and can quickly pick up viruses and once contaminated, they can transfer the virus to the face, from where it can move inside the body. 

Han Duan, who represented China PR 188 times in an international career that spanned 11 years encourages us to stay at least one meter distance from others. Han says that by maintaining such social distancing, “you are helping to avoid breathing in any droplets from someone who sneezes or coughs in close proximity.

Samuel Eto’o, the former FC Barcelona and Cameroon striker reechoes an appeal to stay home. “If you feel unwell, stay home. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance,” said Eto’o. 

The newly appointed Executive Director of the Council of East and Central African Football (CECAFA), John Auka Gacheo has said he is ready to work hard for the region.

Gacheo, a former SuperSport East Africa General Manager was officially ushered to take up the position in the region body on March 11^th during a ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

“I have been in football for sometime and I am prepared for the task ahead to help the region develop and promote football,” added Gacheo.

Gacheo took over from another Kenyan Nicholas Musonye who has been the Secretary General for the last 21 years. The post of executive director was created after the CECAFA Status was amended after advice from the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF).

The new Executive Director is now expected to plan with the competitions team to fix dates for the nine tournaments the region is meant to host this year.

Besides Tanzania which will host the CECAFA Kagame Club Championships, Rwanda and Sudan will host the Zonal qualifiers for the AFCON U-17 and U-20 respectively.

Djibouti for the first time will also host the CECAFA U-16 Boys Challenge Cup, while Burundi hosts the CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup and the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup.

Uganda is expected to host the inaugural CECAFA U-20 Women’s Challenge Cup, while Rwanda will also host the CECAFA Women’s Challenge Cup.

Tanzania FA President, Wallace Karia was last year voted new CECAFA President during the Assembly in Kampala, Uganda. Eritrean National Football Federation (ENFF) President, Abraham Esayas is also a member of the CECAFA Board.

Experienced Eritrean referee Tesgay Mogos Teklu is hoping to make the grade for the 2020 Total Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) to take place in Cameroon April 4-25^th.

Teklu who has officiated several international matches in the African matches is fresh from attending a four-day intensive preparatory training programme course for 2020 CHAN referees took place February 4-8th in Cairo, Egypt.

The course which also attracted eight other referees and assistant referees from the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) region focused on the physical aspect and the Video Assistant Referees (VAR), which will be applied at the quarter-final stage of the competition.

The Course was supervised by CAF Refereeing Director, Eddy Maillet and a team of experienced instructors including Jerome Damon (South Africa), Doue Noumandiez Desire (Cote d’Ivoire), Lim Kee Chong (Mauritius), Essam Abdel Fattah (Egypt), Mademba Mbacke and Mohamed Houssein Ali (Djibouti).

Out of the 42 who under went the training in Egypt, CAF is hoping to reduce on the number for the 2020 CHAN. The CHAN tournament which brings together players who feature in their local respective home leagues will attract 16 teams.

Eritrea’s Teku Gush was one of the participants that attended a one-day workshop for FIFA/CAF match commissioner’s in Cairo, Egypt on January 21^st.

“We are happy that the workshop was very productive since we learnt a lot of things,” said Gush.

The match commissioners also attended the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 draws for Africa later the same night.

The other senior math commissioners from the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) who attended the workshop include; Mike Letti (Uganda), Jean Claude Niyongabo (Burundi), Solomon Gebresilassie Abebe (Ethiopia), Amir Abdi Hassan (Somalia) and the Tanzanian duo of Ahmed Mgoyi and Khalid Abdallah.

The President of the Eritrean National Football Federation (ENFF), Abraham Esayas has been selected to be part of the Africa Nations Championship Commission.

“We are ready to work as a team for the good of African football,” said Esayas who was also elected CECAFA Board member last December in Kampala, Uganda.

The Commission mandated to cover the 2019-2021 cycle is headed by the 3^rd Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Alexander Danny Jordaan.

The Commission in-charge of CHAN will start their mission this year with the 2020 Total Africa Nations Championship slated for April 4-25th in Cameroon.

Teams from the CECAFA region that have qualified for 2020 CHAN include; Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

CHAN Commission

Alexander Danny Jordan (South Sudan/President), Almamy Kabele Camara (Guinea/Vice President), Wadie Jary (Tunisia), Augustin Sidy Diallo (Cote d’Ivoire), Said Ali Said Athoumane (Comoroes), Adalberto Afonseca (Sao Tome), Andrew Kamanga (Zambia), Jajoui Hamza (Morocco), Ibrahim Gusau (Nigeria), Haruma Moses Mawanda (Uganda), Mohamed Yassin Yiunisse (Djibouti), Isayas Jiro Bosho (Ethiopia), Abraham Esayas (Eritrea), Mustapha Ishola Raji (Liberia), Foumbutu Ndinga (Cameroon), Hassan Bargo (Sudan), Paul Francis Michael (South Sudan), Raoul Rabekoto Arizaka (Madagascar), Mamoutou Toure (Mali), Abdoulaye Saydou Sow (Senegal), Hassan Mohamed Mahmoud (Somalia), Thulani Majola (South Africa), Jean Damascene Sekamana (Rwanda), Celstin Yanindji (Centre Afrique), Gaibal Dieudonne (Cameroon).

The President of the Eritrean National Football Association (ENFF), Abraham Esayas has praised the high level of organization of the 2019 CAF Awards.

Esayas together with other Football Presidents from across the African continent attended the colourful function at the Albatros Citadel, Sahl Hasheeshin Hurghada, Egypt on Tuesday night.

“The organisation of the ceremony was well planned and we thank CAF for the work well done. We also managed to hold a meeting for the new Council of East and Central African Football Associations Executive Board where I am a member,” added Esayas.

The 28th edition of the CAF Awards celebrated African footballers and officials who distinguished themselves during 2019.

Senegal and Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was voted Africa Player of the Year at the ceremony. He collected 477 votes ahead of his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah, 325 votes and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, 267 votes.

“I’m very happy and proud to win this award. I thank my teammates at the Senegal national team and also my club, Liverpool for their support,” added Mane.

Nigeria’s Oshoala was named African Women’s Player of the Year for the fourth time. She garnered 351 votes, 30 more than Cameroonian forward Ajara Nchout and Thembi Kgatlana, who had 247 votes.

For the Interclub Player of the Year, Esperance Youcef Belaili won the prize, while the Youth Player of the Year award went to Moroccan Achraf Hakimi. Djamel Belmadi and Desiree Ellis picked the Coach of the Year male and female respectively.

No player or coach from the CECAFA region made it to the final list of those picked.

African Player of the Year

Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)

African Women’s Player of the Year

Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Barcelona)

African Interclubs Player of the Year

Youcef Belaïli (Algeria & Esperance / Ahli Jeddah)

African Youth Player of the Year

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco & Borussia Dortmund)

African Men’s Coach of the Year

Djamel Belmadi (Algeria – Algeria)

African Women’s Coach of the Year

Desiree Ellis (South Africa)

African Men’s National Team of the Year

Algeria

African Women’s National Team of the Year

Cameroon

Federation of the Year

Egyptian Football Association

Special Award

Kojovi Obilale (former Togolese goalkeeper)

Eritrea’s captain Robel Michael Tekle was voted the Best player as the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup concluded on Thursday.

Tekle who played a pivotal role helped Eritrea reach the final of the regional tournament for the first time.

Hosts Uganda defeated Eritrea 3-0 in the final to win the trophy for a record 15^th time, while Kenya beat Tanzania 1-0 to win the bronze medal.

“I am very happy that I received this award and I thank my teammates for the good team work which has seen us reach this far and win silver for the first time,” said Tekle.

Uganda Cranes also bagged the Fair Play Award, while Charles Lukwago the Uganda Cranes goalkeeper was voted Best goalkeeper. Kenya’s striker Oscar Wamalwa with three goals was the top scorer of the tournament.

Nicholas Musonye, the Secretary General of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) said the competition was very competitive and showed that several teams have improved. “Seeing Eritrea reach the final and other teams like Somalia and Djibouti is an indication that there is improvement,” added Musonye.

The regional tournament attracted nine teams; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea and Zanzibar.

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.

The President of the Eritrean National Football Federation (ENFF), Abraham Esayas has been confirmed as a Board member of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA).

During the CECAFA General Assembly that took place at the Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday, Esayas and Rwanda FA boss Gen. Sekamana Jean Damascène were confirmed by the Assembly as Board members.

“I am ready to work hard with the team members for the betterment of football in our region,” said Esayas.

President of the Tanzania’s FA President, Wallace Karia was un-oppossed as President of the regional body, while South Sudan’s Francis Michael Amin and Ethiopia’s FA President Esayas Jira are 1^st Vice President and 2^nd Vice President respectively.

The new CECAFA President Karia thanked all members for the support and called upon all the members to work as a team.

The elections followed the new Statute as recommended by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Out-going CECAFA President Mutasim Gafaar advised the new team to work hard for more development of football in the region.

Eritrea’s head coach Efrem Haile Alemseghed has said they do not fear the Uganda Cranes team at all.

The 14-time Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup winners Uganda will battle Eritrea in the final of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup on Thursday at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo.

Eritrea shocked defending champions Kenya 4-1, while Uganda ejected Kilimanjaro Stars of Tanzania 1-0 at the semi final stage on Tuesday.

But Eritrea’s coach Alemseghed has now made it clear that although Uganda defeated them 2-0 in the Group stage, his team is more than motivated to win during their second face-off in the tournament.

“We took time and studied the Kenyan team before we beat them in the semis. Now we have also studied the Ugandan team well and know how we shall approach that game,” added the coach.

Alemseghed said that his players are all hungry to win the Cup for the first time. “The best Eritrea has performed before in the tournament is reaching the semi final in 2004. Now we are in the final and need to win,” added the coach.

In the Group stage Eritrea beat Burundi 1-0 and also picked a goalless draw against Somalia. They lost 2-0 to Uganda Cranes.

Over a month ago Eritrea beat Sudan 1-0 to win bronze at the CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup held in Njeru in Uganda.

Eritrea stopped Burundi 4-0 to finish in fourth place at the inaugural 2019 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup on Tuesday.

In-form striker Misgana Mehari scored a hat-trick and Haben Goitom entted the other in their last match at the FUIFA Technical Center in the town of Njeru.

Eritrea finished the tournament with seven points from two wins, one draw and two defeats. “As a team we are happy that we got the chance to play five international competitive games and finishing fourth,” said Misgana Mehari.

In the earlier game Tanzania who finished second whitewashed Djibouti 10-0, while Uganda stopped Kenya in the final game 2-0 to emerge champions.

Strikers Fuazia Najjemba and Juliet Nalukenge scored for Uganda to maintain their unbeaten record in the round robing tournament sponsored by FIFA.

Ayub Khalifan, the Ugandan coach praised his team for the hard work and always going all out to win. “We have completed the tournament unbeaten and only drew 1-1 with Tanzania. This is good performance,” added the coach.

The tournament attracted Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Djibouti, Burundi and Eritrea.

Nicholas Musonye, the Secretary General of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) thanked the world football governing body FIFA for the continuous support towards youth football.

Table standing

                    P     W     D     L      GF     GA     A    Pts

 Uganda      5      4      1      0      28      1      27    13

Tanzania    5      3      2      0      29      5      24    11

Kenya         5      2      1       2      19      8      11     7

 Eritrea       5      2       1      2       9      16     -7      7

Burundi     5      1       1      3      13     14     -1      4

Djibouti     5      0      0      5       0      47     -47     0

The national football team of Eritrea are through to the final of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

Eritrea rewrote football history by stopping defending champions Kenya 4-1 in the first semi final played at the StarTimes Stadium in Kampala.

After only nine minutes an own goal by Oscar Wamalwa saw Eritrea take the lead. The two teams continued to create numerous scoring chances, but Eritrea had better control of the game.

In the second half Eritrea run rings around Kenya before Abel Okbay Solomon chipped the ball from almost the center to beat Kenyan goalkeeper Samuel Odhiambo to make it 2-0 after 49 minutes.

But Oscar Wamalwa later pulled one back for Kenya after a tap-in on 52 minutes. Substitute Michael Habte Gebremesqel and Robel Kidane also got their names on the score sheet for Eritrea to complete the match 4-1.

It was the first time Eritrea reach the final of the regional tournament since their best performance was at the semi final stage in 2004.

“I am very happy that my young team is through to the final. We mastered Kenya’s approach and knew what to do,” said a happy Eritrean coach Efrem Haile Alemseghed. Kenya’s coach Francis Kimanzi said they had lost to a good team.

Hosts Uganda were still facing Tanzania in the second semi final match at the same Stadium. The final will be played on December 19th.

The President of the Eritrean National Football Federation (ENFF), Abraham Esayas has applied to become an executive committee member of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA).

“Esayas is the only FA President who has sent in his forms to become a Committee member,” said Nicholas Musonye, the CECAFA Secretary General.

The CECAFA General Assembly where new office bearers will be elected is slated for December 18th at the SilverSprings Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.

The Assembly expected to take place at the Silver Springs Hotel will also be elective with a new President, two Vice Presidents and Committee members being elected.

“We shall use the newly adopted statues for Zones as recommended by CAF to elect new office bearers,” added Musonye.

The new Statute allows for the President, two Vice Presidents and two Committee members to be elected.

Already President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Wallace Karia has indicated he wants to become the next CECAFA President, while the Presidents of the South Sudan and Ethiopia Football Federations, Francis Amin Michael and Esayas Jira have also applied to take up the positions of Vice President.

Former Sudan Football Association (SFA)’s President Mutasim Gafaar’s term as CECAFA President ended last month.

Misgana Mehari netted a hat-trick to help Eritrea register her first win in the on-going CECAFA U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup in Uganda on Sunday.

After only seven minutes Mehari gave Eritrea the lead at the Fufa Technical center in Njeru before Haben Goitom made it 2-0 after 10 minutes. Mehari scored two more goals before the interval.

In the second game table leaders Uganda and Tanzania settled for a 1-1 draw.

Aisha Masaka gave Tanzania the lead after 22 minutes, but Fauzia Najjemba converted a penalty after 35 minutes to level matters.

Kenya was also on the winning side stopping Burundi 3-2 in the last game of the day. Anna Arusi netted a hat-trick, while Burundi scored through Stephie Mutoni and Sarah Karenzo.

While Uganda top the table with 10 points, Eritrea are in fifth place with 4 points. The FIFA sponsored inaugural tournament that ends on Wednesday is being played on a round robin.

 Table standing

                    P     W     D     L      GF     GA     A    Pts

Uganda      4      3      1      0      26      1      25    10

Tanzania    4      2      2      0      19      5      14     8

Kenya         4      2      1      1      19      6      13     7

Burundi     4      1       1      2      13     10       3     4

Eritrea       4      1       1      2       5      16    -11     4

Djibouti     4      0      0       4       0     37     -37     0

The national team of Eritrea has booked a place in the semi finals of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup on-going in Kampala, Uganda.

Eritrea battled to a goalless draw against Somalia in their last Group A game played at the StarTimes Stadium on Sunday.

It is the first time Eritrea qualify for the semi finals of the regional tournament since 1994.

To reach the semis Eritrea beat Burundi 1-0 before losing 2-0 to Uganda Cranes in the second game. Coach Efrem Haile Alemseghed’s team beat Djibouti 3-0 in their next game.

“I am happy that we are finally in the semi finals where we shall play the defending champions Kenya,” added the coach.

The coach made it clear that after losing in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to Namibia, they decided to use most of the U-20 players top build a new team.

“I am glad that that majority of the players making it to the semi final including captain Robel Michael Tekle are part of the U-20 team,” added the coach. Uganda was facing Djibouti in the second Group A match on Sunday before press time.

Skipper Tekle said he was happy to be part of the Eritrean team that has qualified for the semi finals of the tournament since 1994. “We are now more determined to perform even better,” added the captain.

The semi finals will be played on December 17th when Uganda face Tanzania, while the defending champions Kenya take on Eritrea.

Group A table standing

                   P     W     D     L      GF     GA     A    Pts

Uganda      3      3      0      0      6        1        5     9

Eritrea        4      2      1      1      4       2       2      7

Djibouti      3      1      1      1      2       4      -2      4

Somalia      4      1      2      1       1       2      -1     5

Burundi     4       0      0      4       2       6      -4      0

Eritrea moved to second place in Group A at the on-going 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup after a 3-0 win over Djibouti on Friday.

Abreham Isayas scored for Eritrea after 10 minutes. The Djibouti team tried to defend in numbers but the highly passing Eritrean side continued to dominate the match.

Ali Suleiman netted two second goals to send Eritrea to six points on the log and second behind Uganda who have already qualified for the semi finals.

“I am very happy that after losing to Uganda in our last game my boys came all out today well motivated and played good football. Our target is to reach the final of this tournament,” said Eritrean coach Efrem Haile Alemseghed.

Julie Mette, the the Djibouti coach said they lost to a good experienced team. “Eritrea played good football and had control of the game for 90 minutes,” added Mette.

In the second Group A game Omar Abdulahi netted the only goal as Somalia picked their first win in the tournament.

Hosts Uganda lead Group A with 9 points, while Eritrea are now second with 6 points. Eritrea will face Somalia in their last Group A game on Sunday.

Group A table standing

                    P     W     D     L      GF     GA     A    Pts

Uganda      3      3      0      0      6        1       5     9

Eritrea        3      2      0      1      4       2       2      6

Djibouti      3      1      1      1      2       4      -2      4

Somalia      3      1      1      1       1      2      -1      4

Burundi      4      0      0      4       2       6      -4     0

Eritrea suffered a 10-0 defeat to Uganda in the inaugural 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup on Friday.

The third set of matches played at the Fufa Technical Center in Njeru saw Burundi pick their first win against Djibouti who they best 8-0.

Ineza Bora netted four goals, while Lydia Kalenzo scored a hat-trick and Neem Nzohbonayo scored one.

In the second game the Tanzanian team stopped Kenya’s unbeaten run winning 3-1. Thebea Aidano Munga, Joyce Meschak (p) and Aisha Masaka scored for Tanzania, while Kenya netted through Fassila Adhiambo.

The last game of the day saw Uganda attack in numbers against Eritrea to score 10 unanswered goals. Fauzia Najjemba netted a hat-trick, while Juliet Nalukenge and Kevin Nakacwa scored two goals each. Margaret Kunihira, Catherine Nagadya and Stelle Musubika also got their names on the score sheet.

“This tournament is all about exposure for our girls. It is a very good platform to get these matches for our team,” said Eritrea’s coach Mekonnen Zewde after the match.

Eritrea will next face Djibouti on Sunday, while Burundi battle Kenya and Tanzania take table leaders Uganda.

Table standing

                    P     W     D     L      GF     GA     A    Pts

Uganda      3      3      0      0      25      0      25     9

Tanzania    3      2      1      0      18      4      14     7

Kenya         3      2      0      1      16      4     12     4

Burundi     3      1       1      1      11      7      4      4

Eritrea       3      0       1      2       1     16    -15     1

Djibouti     2      0       0      0       0      25    -25    0

Eritrea will hope to play a better game when they face Uganda in their third match of the CECAFA U-17 Womn’s Challenge Cup on Friday.

The women’s teams started with 5-0 defeat to Tanzania on Monday before battling to 1-1 draw against Kenya on Wednesday.

Mekonnen Zewde, Eritrea’s coach made it clear that they are enjoying the tournament because the team is getting the exposure. “We are here to get the experience because it is very important when building a team,” added the coach.

Uganda who beat Burundi 4-0 in their opening match and followed with a 11-0 victory against Djibouti currently top the table standing with six points, while Kenya and Tanzania have four points each.

On Wednesday Burundi and Tanzania battled to a 3-3 draw, while Kenya and Eritrea also drew 1-1.

The FIFA sponsored tournament being played on a round robin basis now sees Uganda top the table with six points since they also won their opening match 4-0 against Burundi.

Nicholas Musonye, the Secretary General of the East and central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) said he is pleased with the level of play among the young women.

The inaugural tournament has attracted Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Eritrea and Djibouti.

Table standing

                    P     W     D     L      GF     GA     A    Pts

Uganda      2      2      0      0      15      0      15     6

Kenya         2      2      0      0      15      1      14     4

Tanzania    2      2      0      0       8       3       5      4

Burundi     2      0       1      1       3       7       -4    1

Eritrea       2      0       1      1       1       6       -5     1

Djibouti     2      0       0      0       0      25    -25    0

The Red Sea Boys of Eritrea on Wednesday suffered a 2-0 defeat to Uganda in their second game at the on-going CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Kampala, Uganda

Midfielder Nicolas Kasozi and Mustafa Kizza scored for the 14-time CECAFA Challenge Cup winners in the second half to guide the home team to their third win in the tournament and qualification for the semi final.

Kasozi scored after 58 minutes with a long shot that Eritrean goalkeeper Kibrom Solomun fumbled with before it rested in the net. Later after 80 minutes Micheal Habte handled the ball in the box and Kizza converted a penalty.

But the Eritrean team will have themselves to blame after dominating the match, but failing to get the goals. The Eritrean attackers kept the Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa busy.

Skipper Robel Michael Tekle, Robel Kidane and Filmon Semere all had chances to score.

“We need to go back and plan well for our remaining games against Djibouti and Somalia. We played well against Uganda, but again finishing was our problem,” said Eritrea’s coach Haile Efrem Alemseghed.

Uganda’s coach Jonathan McKinstry praised the Eritrean team for dominating the game and pressing well. “Our opponents had smooth passing of the ball. But Football is about winning games,” added the Ugandan coach.

In an earlier Group A match Djibouti shocked Burundi 2-1 to keep their unbeaten run after two games. Eritrea will return to action on Friday against Djibouti before they take on Somalia in the last Group game on Sunday.

Group A table standing

                    P     W     D     L      GF     GA     A    Pts

Uganda      3      3      0      0      6        1       5     9

Djibouti      2      1      1      0      2       1       1      4

Eritrea        2      1      0      1      1       2      -1      3

Somalia      2      0      1      1       0      2      -2      1

Burundi 3 0 0 3 2 5 -3 0

Eritrea’s captain Robel Michael Tekle has said the team is well motivated and ready to die a little for the country when they face hosts Uganda in their second Group A match at the on-going CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

The Red Sea Boys kick started their campaign with a 1-0 win over Burundi in a game played on Monday.

On Wednesday afternoon Eritrea will face Uganda Cranes who have won two games against Burundi and Somalia. But Tekle says after winning the opening match the team is well motivated and rearing to go. “We know it is always very tough to face a hosting team, but the spirit in the team is very high and we shall give our best,” added the skipper.

Eritrea’s head coach Haile Efrem Alemseghed made it clear that they will have to be very cautious when playing Uganda. “We shall need to defend well as a team, but also take our chances,” said the coach.

Uganda’s head coach Jonathan McKinstry said their target is to win all the group games so that they top the group going into the semi finals. Uganda beat Burundi 2-1 in their opening match before they stopped Somalia 2-0 in the second game.

But before Eritrea take on 14-time winners of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup Uganda, the Djibouti team will face Burundi in another Group A match.

The best two teams from each group will qualify for the semi finals to be played on December 17^th.

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

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

Eritrea made a poor start in the inaugural 2019 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup losing 5-0 to Tanzania on Monday.

Coach Mekonnen Zewde’s team tried to play a passing game but failed to tame the tough Tanzanian team at the Fufa Technical Center in Njeru.

Tanzania scored a hat-trick through Joyce Meshack, while Aisha Hamis Masaka netted a first half brace.

Eritrea was forced to substitute goalkeeper Miley Tesfaalem to bring on Rim Redje later in the game.

Eritrea’s coach Mekonnen Zewde said they lost to a good team. “We do not have the experience and our team is here to get exposure,” added the coach.

“We are happy to start the tournament with a big win,” said Tanzania’s head coach Shime Bakari after the game.

The CECAFA U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup is being played on a round robin format. Besides Eritrea, the other teams taking part in this tournament include; Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti, Tanzania and Burundi.

Midfielder Robel Tekle Michael will skipper Eritrea’s national team during the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup which kicks off in Uganda on Saturday.

Tekle captained Eritrea to third place in the CECAFA U-20 Challenge Cup that took place in Uganda in October this year after they stopped Sudan 1-0 in the play-off.

Head coach Haile Efrem Alemseghed told enffonline.com in an interview at the Silversprings Hotel in Kampala on Friday night that the technical bench decided Tekle captains the team so that he keeps growing as a leader.

The coach said they have included about 13 players who were part of the U-20 team that won bronze in October together with some senior players who featured against Namibia in the 2021 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“We are building a strong team for the future and therefore we decided to mix the young players and some senior players to get balance in the team,” added Alemseghed.

Eritrea will open their campaign with a Group A game against Burundi on December 9^th before they take on Uganda two days later. Eritrea will battle Djibouti in their last group game on December 15^th at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo.

Group A: Uganda, Burundi, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti

Group B: Tanzania, Sudan, Kenya, Zanzibar

The Red-Sea Boys of Eritrea will face Burundi in their opening Group A match in the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

Nicholas Musonye, the Secretary general of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) said the tournament will now be held in Kampala from December 7-19^th.

According to the adjusted groups and fixture released Eritrea will battle Burundi on December 9^th before facing hosts Uganda on December 11^th in the second game. The Eritrean team will later take on Djibouti and play Somalia in the last group game.

Musonye said South Sudan, Ethiopia and guest side Democratic Republic of Congo withdrew from the competitions because they failed to meet certain requirements by CECAFA and the hosts Uganda.

The best two teams from each group will play at the semi final stage on December 17^th. The play-off for third place and final will take place on December 19^th.

Group A: Uganda, Burundi, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti

Group B: Tanzania, Sudan, Kenya, Zanzibar

Eritrea has remained lowly ranked in position 205 in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday.

In the rankings released at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Eritrea now have 856 points and remain bottom in Africa and the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) region.

Eritrea remains low in ranking because the national team does not enter in several international competitions. Eritrea only played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Namibia. They were not entered for the 2021 Total Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

Eritrea will hope to improve in the FIFA ranking when they participate in the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup slated for December 7-19th in Uganda.

Uganda remain the highest ranked nation in the CECAFA region at 77^th with 1321 points. Kenya are second in the region at 106th place in the world and Sudan are 128th and third in CECAFA region.

South Sudan who improved in the last rankings this time dropped by seven places to 169th with 983 points.

Senegal are the highest ranked African team at 20 with 1555 points, while Tunisia is second and 27th in the world with 1506 points.

Belgium with 1765 points maintained their top spot in the rankings, while France are second on 1733 points.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has made it clear that they are prepared to host both the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup and the Cecafa U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup.

Justus Mugisha, the Acting President of the Uganda FA said on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania that they are ready to host two successful tournaments.

“We hosted a good U-20 tournament over a month ago and we are putting all the logistics in place to have two successful season ender tournaments,” added Mugisha.

The Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup which will attract 12 teams including Eritrea and guest side the Democratic Republic of Congo will run December 7-19^th in the capital Kampala. The Cecafa U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup will take place December 9-18^th in Njeru.

“We are looking forward to hosting all the teams in Uganda. Just prepare your teams well,” added Mugisha.

For the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup Eritrea is placed alongside Uganda, Burundi and Ethiopia in Group A. In the Cecafa U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup Eritrea will battle Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan in Group A.

Eritrea will face hosts Uganda Cranes in the 2019 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that runs December 7-19^th in Kampala.

The draws made on Sunday at the Tiffany Diamond Hotels in Dar es salaam, Tanzania pitted Eritrea against Uganda, Burundi and Ethiopia in Group A.

The draws were conducted in the presence of the Cecafa secretary General, Nicholas Musonye, Uganda FA Acting President Justus Mugisha, Uganda FA second Vice President Darius Mugoye, the media, coaches and cecafa officials.

Guest side Democratic Republic of Congo were placed in Group B that will have Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, while the defending champions Kenya are in Group C together with Tanzania, Djibouti and Zanzibar.

The best two teams from each group together with the best two losses will qualify for the quarter finals.

“We are happy to have DR Congo to spice up our tournament and Ugandan officials are here to assure us that they are ready to host the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup and the Cecafa U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup,” said Musonye.

In the draws for the Cecafa U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup also conducted in Dar es Salaam, hosts Uganda are placed alongside Ethiopia, Eritrea and South Sudan in Group A, while Group B has Tanzania, Burundi and Djibouti.

While the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup will run December 7-19^th in the capital Kampala, the Cecafa U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup will run  December 9-18^th in Njeru. In October this year Eritrea finished third in the Cecafa U-20 Boys Challenge Cup held in Uganda. Tanzania beat kenya to emerge champions.

Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup groups

Group A: Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Eritrea

Group B: DR Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia

Group C: Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti, Zanzibar

Cecafa U-17 Women’s Challenge Cup

Group A: Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan

Group B: Tanzania, Burundi, Djibouti

The Council of East and Central African Football Associations (Cecafa) has confirmed that Eritrea is among the 11 nations that have confirmed participation in the 2019 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

Uganda will host the regional tournament for senior men’s teams between December 1-19^th at venues yet to be communicated.

Nicholas Musonye confirmed in a communication on October 21^st that apart from Rwanda, all the other members of the Cecafa region have confirmed participation.

“We hope to have a very competitive tournament to climax the season,” added Musonye.

He also made it clear that they have three applications from team from other zones to take part in the tournament. “We shall look at the best team to invite,” he added.

The 11 teams that have confirmed participation include host Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Somali, Djibouti, Zanzibar, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Harambee Stars of Kenya are the defending champions of the regional tournament.

The Eritrean National Football Federation (ENFF) has confirmed that they will send a team for the 2019 Cecafa Women’s Championship.

Tanzania will host the regional tournament November 14-28^th.

Negash Teklit, Vice President of ENFF confirmed that they will also send a team to the women’s competition. “We have a women’s team that will start preparations soon,” added Teklit.

He made it clear that participating in some of these international tournaments within the Cecafa region will continue to help their players get more exposure and get better.

Early this month Eritrea finished won bronze after finishing third in the Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup that climaxed in Njeru, Uganda. Eritrea defeated Sudan 1-0 in the play-off for third place.

Nicholas Musonye, the Secretary General of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (Cecafa) said they expect a very competitive Women’s tournament. “Teams have improved and they will give the defending champions Tanzania a good run,” he added.

This year Cecafa has so far organized the Cecafa Kagame Club Championship (Rwanda), the Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup (Eritrea) and the recent Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup.

The regional body also hopes to organize the Cecafa Women’s Championship and the Cecafa U-17 Girls Championship and the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup before the end of the year.

Eritrea’s coach Haile Efrem Alemseghed has said the just concluded Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup has given his players great international exposure.

“Our players don’t get many opportunities to play in international tournaments and playing in the Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup was great from a technical point,” said Alemseghed.

Eritrea stopped Sudan 1-0 in the play-off to win the bronze medal in the regional tournament that ended in Njeru, Uganda last Saturday. Tanzania emerged champions after a 1-0 victory over Kenya’s Rising Stars.

The coach made it clear that despite the defection of four of his players ahead of a semi final clash against Kenya, playing five competitive games in the tournament will have a great impact on his players.

“These players are the future stars of our national team. But this kind of exposure is good because it helps them grow and learn different scenarios,” added the coach.

He thanked the Eritrean National Football Federation (ENFF) that put resources together to send the team for the tournament in Uganda. “It is unfortunate that some of our players’ defect and this kills morale of other players. But we shall continue to work hard so that football in Eritrea continues to grow,” added the coach.

The Eritrean team that was based in the northern based town of Gulu (335km from the capital Kampala) kick started the tourney with a 1-1 draw against Uganda Hippos before they settled for another 3-3 draw against Sudan.

Alemseghed’s team completed the group stage with a big 7-0 win over Djibouti. In the quarter final they humbled Zanzibar 5-0 before losing 1-0 to Kenya at the quarter final stage. In the play-off Biniam Mengsteab netted the lone goal against Sudan to guide Eritrea to third place.

The FIFA sponsored tournament attracted Uganda, Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea.

A 67th minute goal by Biniam Mengsteab was enough to see Eritrea beat Sudan to finish third in the Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup on Saturday.

The Eritrea side cheered on by their fans leaving in Uganda dominated the play-off match at the Fufa Technical center before scoring the lone goal.

Sudan’s defenders were caught flat footed before Mengsteab slotted the low shot past the goalkeeper Mohamed Elnoor Adam.

Early in the first half Eritrea’s Ali Suleiman Ibrahim had his shot stopped, before Sudan’s Shihab Eldeen Siddiq Abdalrahman also had his attempt punched out of danger.

After a goalless first half the two teams came all out in seach of a winning goal and Eritrea took their chance. With 2 added minutes Sudan scored and the goal was cancelled for off-side.

The two teams had settled for a 3-3 draw in the group stage in Gulu Town

Haile Efrem Alemseghed, the Eritrean coach said he is happy his players have finished third. “We would have won the trophy if some players did not disappear from the Hotel,” added the coach.

Sudan’s coach Mohamed Mousa said the referee did not handle the match well.

Skipper of Eritrea’s team Robel Michael Tekle has vowed that they are well prepared to put their troubles behind and defeat Sudan in Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup play-off on Saturday.

Eritrea will battle Sudan in the first game at the Fufa Technical center, while Kenya’s Rising Stars face Tanzania in the final later.

Tekle made it clear that although some of their players left the Hotel, the team has overcome thjat setback and are now determined to play their hearts out to win bronze.

“All the players have vowed to player their hearts out to get a good result,” added the captain.

Head coach Haile Efrem Alemseghed also made it clear that the team is now focused to go out and get a win against Sudan. “We drew with Sudan 3-3 in the group stage and know what to do now,” added the coach.

The head coach of Sudan U20 national team Mohamed Mousa has echoed that they are focused towards finishing as the third best country at the 2019 U20 CECAFA Challenge cup tournament in Uganda.

But Sudan’s coach Mohammed Mousa said his team is also focused to win the game and take something home.

“We have a good strategy that will break the Eritrean team,” added Mousa.

While Eritrea will miss the services of Yosief Mewael Tesfai (six goals) who was among the players who disappeared, Ali Suleiman Ibrahim with four goals and skipper Tekle are expected to lead the team.

Sudan will look to Mohamad Abbas Namir (four goals), Musab Kurdman Elsiddiq and Amar Yaser Aboalqaseem among others.

Eritrea will face Sudan in a play-off for third place in the on-going Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup in Uganda without four key players who disappeared from the team Hotel.

Haile Efrem Alemseghed confirmed on Friday after training at the Fufa Technical center in Njeru that it is true four players have vanished.

The players who did not feature since they were missing ahead of the semi final clash that Eritrea lost 1-0 to Kenya are reportedly in the Ugandan capital Kampala.

“It is very bad that some of my players disappeared from the Hotel. This is very bad because it has affected the morale of other players,” added the coach.

He made it clear that this business of players defecting is not good for football in Eritrea because they keep losing talent and also spoiling chances of other players. “Every time players defect it means we have to start again afresh to build,” added Alemseghed.

The players who disappeared include; Simon Asmelash Mekonen, Yohannes Hermon Fessehaye, Girmay Hanibal and leading scorer with six goals Yosief Mewael Tesfai.

Nicholas Musonye, the Secretary General of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (Cecafa) said they have handed the matter to the Ugandan Police to follow-up.

An own goal after 84 minutes by Yosief Mebrahtu was enough to see Kenya edge Eritrea to qualify for the final at the on-going Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup.

The Eritrean team that was missing four starters put up a good show at the Fufa Technical center in Njeru missing some good scoring chances. But a cross by Kenya’s Patrick Otieno was deflected by Mebrahtu past second choice goalkeeper Haile Kibrom.

Eritrea had Ismael Sitan Jahar and Deyben Gbtswawi Hintseab miss some clear chances, while skipper Robel Michael Tekle had his free kick hit the woodwork.

“We missed some good scoring chances in the first half. But it was a good semi final and I cannot blame my players,” said Eritrea’s coach Efrem Haile Alemseghed.

Kenya’s coach Stanley Okumbi said it was a tough game. “Eritrea gave us a tough time,” added the coach.

Eritrea will now face Sudan in a play-off game on October before the final in Njeru.

Tanzania beat Sudan 2-1 in the other semi final match played at the Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu.

Tespsi Evance Theonassy and Kelvin Pius John gave Tanzania a 2-0 first lead before Muhammad Abbas Namir pulled one back for Sudan.

The regional tournament that is sponsored by FIFA has attracted 11 teams.

Kenya’s Raising Stars stand in Eritrea’s way when the two sides battle in one of the semi final matches this afternoon in the on-going regional Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup in Uganda.

Eritrea’s team have been impressive in the tournament after topping Group A, but with some players likely to miss the game today they face a serious test.

“We know Kenya is a good side. But we are ready to prove a point that we did not get to the semi final by mistake,” said Eritrea’s head coach Haile Efrem Alemseghed ahead of the game.

The coach who also handled the national senior side made it clear that although Kenya is strong on the physical side, they have mapped out a strategy to handle the Kenyan team.

“We shall try to go all out to get early goals because that is very important. To be able to win a trophy, a team must win against the best and we are ready for that,” added Alemseghed.

Mawel Tesfai Yoseif, the team’s leading scorer with six goals did not train on Tuesday and could miss the match. Eritrea’s skipper Robel Michael Tekle however has made it clear despite some challenges the team is well motivated and ready to put up a good display against Kenya.

Kenya’s coach Stanley Okumbi said his boys are hungry to win against Eritrea. “We watched them beat Zanzibar 5-0 in the quarter final match, but we know what to do,” added the coach.

The Kenyan coach however said he likes Eritrea’s tactical approach with lots of passing. Okumbi said getting early goals will be very important in the game because the Eritreans also have several fans.

Kenya’s skipper and goalkeeper Brian Bwire Okoth made it clear that they must qualify for the final. “We are very confident of overcoming Eritrea,” added the confident captain.

Kenya will look to their leading striker Sydney Lokale (four goals) together with Benson Ochieng Oluoch (2 goals), and Austine Odhiambo Otieno (3 goals) to lead the goal hunt.

To reach the final Eritrea drew 1-1 against hosts Uganda before they drew 3-3 against Sudan before humbling Djibouti 7-0. They went ahead to beat Zanzibar 5-0 in the quarter final stage.

The tournament sponsored by FIFA will climax on October 5^th with the play-off for third place and final.

Eritrea have qualified for the semi finals of the on-going Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup in Uganda.

Cheered on by a big crowd of Eritrean fans from Uganda’s capital Kampala, the Eritrean team dominated play from the start to the end.

Mewal Yosief Tesfai and Ali Suleiman netted a brace each, while Simon Asmelash also got his name on the score sheet.

Zanzibar who had two players suspended tries to play a highly defensive game, but failed to stop the Eritrean team.

Eritrea’s coach Efem Alemseged said they are ready to battle till the final. “The only team that we feared was Uganda. But now that they are out of the tournament we can face anyone,” added the coach.

Eritrea qualified for the knock out stage after topping Group A. Coach Efem Alemseged’s team kicked off with a 1-1 draw against Uganda before they again drew 3-3 with Sudan. They went ahead to demolish Djibouti 7-0 in the last group game.

Eritrea will now face Kenya’s Raising Stars in the semi finals. Kenya stopped Burundi 2-1, while Tanzania saw off Uganda 4-2 and Sudan defeated South Sudan 1-0. The semi finals will be played on Wednesday.

The Eritrean team has this morning traveled close to 400km from Gulu to Jinja ahead of the Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup quarter final clash against Zanzibar on Sunday.

Eritrea qualified for the knock out stage after topping Group A. Coach Efem Alemseged’s team kicked off with a 1-1 draw against Uganda before they again drew 3-3 with Sudan.

They went ahead to demolish Djibouti 7-0 and tooped the group with a better goal difference ahead of Sudan and Uganda who also had the same number of points.

Coach Alemseged has made it clear that they will have to be very cautious against Zanzibar because this is now the knock out stage. “We have been playing on grass for the group stage and now move to the articial ground which calls for caution,” added the coach.

Eritrea will look to their leading scorer in the tournament with four goals Yoseif Mawel Tesfai to produce the magic and guide them to the semi final stage.

But Zanzibar’s coach Nasor Sawn Mohamad has said his players are ready to play their hearts out.

“We are lucky we have played three matches on this pitch at the Fufa technical center and that is an advantage for us. But we need to try and improve in-front of goal and get the goals,” added Niyonkuru.

To reach the quarter final stage Zanzibar finished third in Group B after losing by a similar 5-0 score to Kenya and Tanzania. The Zanzibar team only managed a 2-1 win over Ethiopia.

The four quarter final matches will be played on Sunday before the semi finals on October 2^nd and the final and play-off on October 5^th.

Eritrea have qualified for the quarter finals at the on-going regional Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup after demolishing Djibouti 7-0 in a Group A match played on Wednesday.

The Eritrean team took a 2-0 half time lead with goals by Michael Robel Reklem and Ali Suleiman Ibrahim at the Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu Town.

In the second half the Djibouti team that had already lost two of their games tried to play a highly defensive game but failed to contain the Eritrean team.

Djibouti’s defender Souhaib Hassan Rayaleh was later yellow carded for a dangerous foul.

Mewal Tesfai Yosief, Eritrea’s leading scorer at the tournament later netted two quick goals to make it 4-0. Simon Asmelash Mekonen, Michael Habte Gebremeskel and Ismael Sitan Jahar later added their names on the score sheet.

Eritrea finished top of Group A with a better goal difference than Sudan and Uganda who later drew 2-2 in the second game.

Head coach Efem Alemseged said he was happy with the big win as they look forward to the knock out stage.

Group A standings

              P    W   D    L   GF  GA  A    Pts

Eritrea  3     1    2    0   11    4    7     5

Sudan   3     1    2    0     9    5    4     5

Uganda 3    1    2    0     8    4    4     5

Djibouti 3    0    0    3     1  16  -15   0

Eritrea will face Djibouti in a crucial Group A match this afternoon at the Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu at the on-going Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup.

But Eritrea’s coach Efem Alemseged has said they will not underrate the Djibouti team because they are determined to make it to the knock out stage.

“We are aware only a draw is enough for us, but we are going all out to try and get a comfortable win,” said the coach.

Table leaders Sudan and Uganda who face-off also today have already qualified for the quarter finals and one more team must book the remaining slot.

Sudan and Uganda have 4 points each, while Eritrea have two points after a 1-1 draw against the hosts in the opening game and a 3-all draw against Sudan.

Eritrea will look to Mewael Tesfai Yosief who already has two goals in the tournament to produce some magic against a Djibouti team that has already conceded nine goals and scored one.

On Tuesday Zanzibar picked a 2-1 win over Ethiopia, while Tanzania and Kenya settled for a 2-2 draw in Group B matches played at the Fufa Technical Center, Njeru.

The five teams that have already qualified for the knock out stage include; Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi. The quarter finals will be played on September 29^th.

Eleven teams are taking part in the regional tournament supported by FIFA.

Group A standings

              P    W   D    L   GF  GA  A    Pts

Sudan   2     1    1    0     7    3    4     4

Uganda 2    1    1    0     6    2    4     4

Eritrea   2     0    2    0    4    0    4     2

Djibouti 2    0    0    2    1    9   -8     0

Sudan needed a late penalty to hold Eritrea to a 3-3 draw in a Group A match on Monday at the on-going Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup.

Mewael Tesfai Yosief who also scored in the 1-1 draw against Uganda in the opening game put Eritrea ahead after 10 minutes at the Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu.

But Sudan continued to create some decent scoring opportunities. Mohamed Abbas Namir made it 1-1 with a fine goal on 40 minutes before Shihab Eldeen Abdalrahman gave Sudan the lead at the stroke of half time.

After recess Michael Robel Teklem leveled matters for Eritrea’s after 55 minutes when he converted a penalty.

The two sides continued to create several scoring opportunities before Ali Suleiman Ibrahim scored Eritrea’s third goal after 73 minutes.

After the fourth official had indicated 3 minutes of added extra time Sudan were awarded a penalty. Musab Kurdman Elfaki made no mistake converting.

After two draws Eritrea are in third place and only need a draw in their last game against Djibouti on Wednesday to make it to the quarter final stage.

“We did not defend well today and got punished for that. We now need to win against Djibouti to be able to progress to the quarter finals,” said Eritrea’s coach Efem Alemseged.

Already Sudan, Uganda Hippos and Burundi have qualified for the knock out stage. On Tuesday Tanzania will face Kenya, while two Ethiopia take on Zanzibar in Group B matches.

Group A standings

               P    W   D    L   GF  GA  A    Pts

Sudan   2     1    1    0     7    3    4     4

Uganda 2    1    1    0     6    2    4     4

Eritrea  2     0    2    0     4    0    4     2

Djibouti 2    0    0    2     1    9   -8     0

Eritrea’s head coach Efem Alemseged has warned Sudan that they will not find it easy when the two sides face-off today in a Group A match at the on-going Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup.

“We know Sudan registered a big win against Djibouti in their first match, but we are well prepared to take them on because we know what to do,” said the coach.

Alemseged whose team held hosts Uganda to a 1-all draw in their first match said they will have to be a little sharper in finishing. “We need to take our chances and also be tight in defending,” added the coach.

Yosief Tesfai Mewael who scored against Uganda will be one of Eritrea’s players to watch at the Pece War Memorial Stadium. “I want to score more goals in this tournament to help my team,” said Mewael after the game with Uganda.

Sudan’s coach Mohamed Mousa said they will also be hungry to win their second game. “I know Eritrea is a strong team, but we are prepared for them,” added Mousa.

Eritrea will have to keep a close watch on Sudan’s Abbas Mohamed, Ali Albager Eljamri, Yaser Ammar and Musab Kurdman Elsiddiq who all scored against Djibouti in their opening game.

Uganda Cranes will face Djibouti in the second Group A match in Gulu, while Somalia play their fisrt Group C game against Burundi at the Fufa Technical Center in Njeru.

Group A standings

              P    W   D    L   GF  GA  A    Pts

Sudan   1     1    0    0     4    0    4     3

Eritrea  1     0    1    0     1    0    1     1

Uganda 1    0    1    0     1    0    1     1

Djibouti 1    0    0    1     0    4   -4     0

Yosief Tesfai Mewael netted a second half goal to rescue a point for Eritrea against hosts Uganda at the 2019 Cecafa U-20 Challenge Cup at the Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu on Saturday.

Uganda had taken the lead of the Group A match with an Ivan Bogere goal after 37 minutes.

But the Eritrean team returned strongly after recess to push the home sides on the back footbl before Mewael found the equalizer.

“But I am happy that we managed to get a point from the hosts,” said Eritrea’s coach Efrem Alemseghed who also handles the national senior side. Eritrea will be back in action on Monday against Group A leaders Sudan.

In an earlier Group A match Sudan humbled Djibouti 4-0, while the Group C game between South Sudan and Burundi ended 3-3 at the Fufa Technical Centre Stadium in Njeru.

On Sunday Ethiopia will face Tanzania, while Kenya take on Zanzibar in Group matches in Njeru.

Eritrean National Football Federation (ENFF) has invited FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF boss Ahmad Ahmad to grace the Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup.

The tournament, the first of it’s kind in Africa started on Friday and ends August 30^th at the Asmara National Stadium.

Esayas Abraham, President of the ENFF said on Friday that they have officially invited the FIFA and CAF Presidents. “We want the two Presidents to come and see our youngsters in action. These are the stars of tomorrow from the Cecafa region,” added the ENFF President.

Apart from Djibouti that withdrew early this week and Zanzibar that are not talking part, all the other 10 members of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) are taking part.

“This is a good platform for the youngsters to showcase their talents as they gain more international exposure. This is a great opportunity for the young players in the region to learn and develop into better players in the future,” said Petra Doris, head of organizing Committee.

The Cecafa U-15 Challenge Cup is financially supported by FIFA through the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Groups

A: Eritrea, Burundi, Kenya, Sudan, Somalia

B: Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania

The Confederation of African Football Associations (CAF) has selected four Eritrean match officials to be in-charge of a qualifier match in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023.

The officials will be in-charge of a Group F match between Uganda and Niger on June 8^th, 2022 at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Tsegay Mogos Mogos Teklu has been appointed as the centre referee, while Eyobel Michael and Sirak Samuel Menghis will be the assistant referees. Idris Mohammed Osman will be the reserve referee.

Eritrea did not enter the national team in the qualifiers for the AFCON 2023. Nations from the CECAFA region that will play in the group stage of the qualifiers include; Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan.

The Council of East and central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has line-up seven tournaments to take place in 2022.

Uganda was already selected to host the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship during the CECAFA Extra Ordinary Assembly held in Arusha, Tanzania in February 2022.

The Uganda Football Federation has already communicated that they will host the Championship between May 22 to June 5^th.

Uganda has also sent their bid to host the qualifiers for the Pan African Schools Cup.

Auka Gecheo, the CECAFA Executive Director also made it clear that the region will host the Zonal qualifiers for the AFCON U-17, AFCON U-20 and CAF Women’s Champions League. The CECAFA Kagame Cup and the CECAFA U-23 Championship will also take place.

Eritrea have been drawn to face Botswana in the preliminary round of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 qualifiers.

The preliminary round of the qualifiers which will take place in March this year will involve 12 teams with the six aggregate winners joining the 42 highest ranked teams into the Group Stage of the qualifiers.

The draw conducted in Douala, Cameroon this afternoon also saw CECAFA members Djibouti paired against South Sudan, while Somalia will take on Eswatini.

Sao Tome & Principe have also be placed to face Mauritius, while Chad take on Gambia who have qualified for the round of 16 at the on-going AFCOn 2021 in Cameroon.

Former Cameroon captain Rigobert Song and Nigeria’s former star Emmanuel Amunike helped conduct the draw.

The 34th edition of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Cote d’Ivoire.

Eritrea will be among the teams to be drawn in the preliminary round of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 qualifiers.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) today confirmed that the draw will be conducted on January 21st. 2022 in Douala, Cameroon.

According to the communication from CAF, Eritrea is placed in Level 2 ahead of the draw. The other teams in Level 2 include; Chad, Sao Tome & Principe, Djibouti, Somalia and Seychelles.

The preliminary round will see the 12 least ranked teams divided into two levels. The six highest ranked teams will play against the six least ranked teams (the 1st leg will be played at home of the lower ranked teams).

The six aggregate winners will join the 42 highest ranked teams into the Group Stage of the qualifiers. Cote d’Ivoire will hosts the AFCON 2023.

Level 1: Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Gambia, South Sudan, Mauritius

Level 2: Chad, Sao Tome & Principe, Djibouti, Somalia, Seychelles, Eritrea

The Eritrean team kick started the CECAFA Women’s U-20 Championship losing 1-0 to Tanzania in the opening match played on Saturday at the FUFA technical Centre in Njeru, Uganda.

Delina Sahle Tekie and Hermiela Tedros Tsegay came close to scoring for Eritrea, but missed the target by inches on the two attempts.

The Tanzania team that also eliminated Eritrea in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers this month dominated play for longer spells.

Eritrea’s goalkeeper Rim Gazae Yemane made several brilliant saves, but failed to time well in added time to give room for Clara Cleitus Luvanga to head in for Tanzania.

“It is very disappointing to concede a late goal like this because of a mistake by our goalkeeper. We shall go back to the drawing board and try to improve in the other matches,” said Eritrea’s assistant coach Demssie Tekeste Habtemichael.

In the second game Ethiopia showed a lot of dominance when they humbled a 10-man Djibouti 7-0.

Rider Assrasanang netted a hat-trick, Turist Lema scored two goals, while Betlehem Bekele and Meadin Sehilu also got their names on the score sheet for Ethiopia. The Djibouti team tried to fight back, but found it difficult playing with a player-less after Marwa Baher Moussa had been sent off after 36 minutes.

Hosts Uganda also collected a 5-1 win against Burundi In the last game played on Day 1. Skipper Fauzia Najjemba netted a brace, while Hadijah Nandago, Margaret Kunihira and Shamirah Nalugya also scored for Uganda. Burundi’s lone goal was netted by Pascasie Butoyi.

Ethiopia now tops the table in the tournament being played on a round robin basis. Action resumes on Monday with Uganda facing Djibouti in the first match before Ethiopia take on Eritrea, and Burundi face Tanzania.

Table standing

P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Ethiopia 1 1 0 0 7 0 7 3

Uganda 1 1 0 0 5 1 4 3

Tanzania 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3

Eritrea 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0

Burundi 1 0 0 1 1 5 -4 0

Djibouti 1 0 0 1 0 7 -7 0

Eritrean referee Tsegay Mogos Mogos Teklu will be in-charge of the return leg of the second preliminary round of the 2021/2022 TotalEnergies CAF Confederations Cup between Egypt’s Al Masry SC and URA FC (Uganda).

The match will take place at the Alexandria Stadium in Egypt on Saturday. The first leg played at the St. Marys Stadium, Kitende in Uganda ended goalless.

According to the appointment by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) the two second assistants from Eritrea Eyobel Michael and Youannes Tewelde Ghebreslase will also be in-charge of the match, while Yonas Zekarias Ghebre will be the fourth official.

Sudan’s Amir Osman Mohammed Hamid will be the match commissioner, while Mohamed Sultan (Egypt) is appointed as the COVID-19 officer.

The teams from the Council of east and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) zone still in contention for a place in the next round of the Confederation Cup include; Azam FC, Biashara United Mara (Tanzania), Gor Mahia FC (Kenya) and Rwanda’s AS Kigali.