Group A favourites Burundi became the first team to exit the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup after losing their third successive match, going down 2-1 to Djibouti in Kampala, Uganda, on Wednesday.
The result by Djibouti sees them move to four points and will qualify them for a first-ever semi-final if they manage to avoid defeat against Eritrea. The Red Sea boys lost 2-0 to hosts Uganda who eventually qualified for the knockout phase top of the pile with a 100 per cent record.
Meanwhile, Uganda are assured of finishing top of the group after clinching a third successive win that takes them to nine points. Second-half goals from Nicholas Kasozi and Mustafa Kiiza handed Uganda the win with a game against Djibouti on Sunday to spare.
Djibouti coach Julian Mette said: “It wasn’t as good as it was against Somalia in the first game but all in all I am pleased we won. We are closer to the semis and now we have a final to play against Djibouti.
“We have a better mentality and the players work hard that is why you see this result.”
Burundi coach Olivier Niyungeko said: “It is really disappointing that we have to exit the tournament and losing three games at a go is devastating for us. We will go back and pull ourselves together and come back stronger next time.
Uganda coach Jonathan McKinstry said: “I didn’t like what I saw today. We made so many mistakes and lost the ball in crucial areas.
“There were very few things we did right but we tried a bit in the second half. We needed to change because we are facing a long tournament and we have to ensure all our best players are fresh.”
Eritrea coach Efrem Haile said: “It was a tough game and Uganda deserved to win. We did our best but we couldn’t finish our chances.
“We still have a chance to make the semis when we play against Djibouti. We have some fatigue and some injuries but hopefully, we manage well.”
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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