Harambee Stars to face Eritrea in CECAFA semis

 Jacob Icia in Kampala

Kenya’s Harambee Stars will now face Eritrea in the semifinals of the CECAFA Senior Challenge on Tuesday.

Eritrea earned the nod to face Cup holders Kenya after drawing 0-0 with Somalia in their final group match staged at the KCCA Lugogo Stadium, Kampala on Sunday.

Eritrea had six points from wins over Djibouti and Burundi before this match, and needed just a point to join hosts Uganda in the last four from Group A.

Somalia on the other hand needed three points, having amassed four before, from a win over Burundi and a draw against Djibouti.

The Eritreans, returning to the competition after seven years absence, are now bracing for a show down Harambee Stars who sailed to the semis as the Group A winners.

Cheered on by their fans who thronged the stadium in numbers, Somalia found a real 12th player, active from the first whistle to the end.

Omar Abdulahi Mohammed shot inches out of target on the right post, having manoeuvred his way into the six-yard box in Somalia’s first notable attack.

Just two minutes later, Abdikadir Said Mohammed was put through by Abdulahi Mohammed, but watched his powerful shot fly over the bar.

Ali Aden Muse sent another sumptuous cross to Abdelaziz Sifamoyo, who lost his footing at pulling the trigger inside the box and Eritrea survived again.

Somalia’s urgency for a goal was escalating. From a well taken corner, captain Ahmed Said Ahmed rose high to head powerfully forcing goalkeeper Solomun Haile to a full-stretch dive in denying the determined men in white.

Eritrea’s most promising attempt of the opening stanza saw goalkeeper Said Aweys Ali save on the line, from a Robel Kidane’s effort.

Eritrea were growing better towards the end of the first half, but could not convert their few chances by the time teams left for break. They totally took control upon restart, and pinned Somalia to their own half. Filmon Tumzighi tested the hitherto overworking Aweys Ali from a close range, before denying unmarked Kidane still from the box.

The trend of missed opportunities  markedthe final stages, a share of spoils meaning Eritrea progress from group A to the semis with two wins and a draw.