2019 CECAFA U20 Challenge Cup
Burundi 3-3 South Sudan
The 2019 Council of East and Central Africa Football Association(CECAFA) U20 Challenge Cup got underway in Uganda with thrilling action in the three games played.
In group C, Burundi fought hard to salvage a point against South Sudan in a three all draw needing to come from down on three occasions in the game played at the FUFA Technical Centre.
Dan Lual Gumnok scored a hat trick for South Sudan but goals from Yassin Dushime, Karim Niyonkuru and captain Hamimu Hakizimana ensured Burundi secured at least a point.
Arthur Nibikora tested the back of the net in the 10th minute but his goal was ruled for offside by centre referee Ali Mfaume from Zanzibar.
Two minutes later, South Sudan got the lead through lanky forward Gumnok who dribbled past Burundi defenders before firing home.
In the 23rd minute, winger Dushime’s low drive outside the area beat goalkeeper Simon Pitia Justin at the far post for Burundi to equalise.
South Sudan were forced into making a change in the 33rd minute when Tony Francis Clement sustained an injury and was replaced by Steven Duol Doyak.
Gumnok helped South Sudan to regain their lead in the 39th minute when he ran through on goal to lobe the ball past onrushing goalkeeper.
Burundi were the better side in the second stanza and took only four minutes to once again level matters this time from the spot.
Nibikora was brought down inside the area and Nyinonkuru did no mistake to convert the resultant penalty sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Gumnok pounced onto a loose ball following a goal melee to complete his hat trick in the 58th minute as South Sudan yet again went into the lead.
However, with the game destined to end, Burundi who kept surging forward got the equaliser through captain Hakizimana whose low drive found the back of the net to help his team salvage a point.
The two teams are in group C alongside Somalia.
In group A, hosts Uganda were held to a one all draw by Eritrea while Sudan outwitted Djibouti 4-0 in the games played at Pece stadium, Gulu district.
Action will continue on Sunday with Kenya playing Zanzibar while Tanzania will face Ethiopia in group B games that will be played at the FUFA Technical Centre.
Burundi XI
Juma Nijimbere, Amissi Ntunzwenimana, Ally Ndikumana, Michel Prince Musore, Akbar Muderi, Hamimu Hakizimana©, Nasri Samir, Arthur Nibikora, Karim Niyonkuru, Yassin Dushime
South Sudan XI
Dominic James Arkanelo, Geofrey Akol Tobs, Chan Lam Buay, Stephen Data Joseph, Emmanuel Gama William, Tony Francis Clement, Samuel Solong Daniel (C), Daniel Lual Gumnok, Emmanuel Peter Loki, Taban Angero Phillip
