)
Uganda's 2023 CECAFA U18 championship got off on a wrong note with a 1-0 defeat to neighbours Tanzania in Kakamega, Kenya, on Sunday.
William Sharif scored the all-important goal a quarter of an hour into the contest played at Bukhungu Stadium.
Uganda Cranes forward Travis Mutyaba, who had a brilliant display in the senior team's opening two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Guinea and Somalia, started on the bench.
)
Mutyaba was introduced in the second half, but the youngster could not help his side find a way through as their rivals edged them out.
In the other game played on the same day in Group B, Zanzibar beat Somalia 1-0 thanks to Moh'd Moh'd’s goal in the 12th minute.
)
According to Uganda's head coach, Morley Byekwaso, the pitch could have been more playable and affected the game's rhythm.
"I believe the best team lost because we tried as much as we could to play and create chances, but we could not put them away," Byekwaso said in the post-match press conference.
)
"Even the wet surface with a lot of water affected us, but we must prepare and bounce back strong," SC Villa's assistant coach added.
Byekwaso's charges will have to leave their disappointing start on the back of their minds and shift focus to the game against Zanzibar on Wednesday, November 29.
)
Group B Results
Tanzania 0-1 Uganda
Zanzibar 1-0 South Sudan
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)