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In the CECAFA U-18 Championship, a unique regulatory decision determined Kenya's semi-final opponent, leading to a match against Tanzania.
Unexpectedly the intricate dynamics of the CECAFA U-18 Boys Championship 2023's Group B led to a unique scenario where Tanzania clinched a semi-final spot not just through their performance on the field but by adhering to the principles of fair play.
As the tournament progresses in Western Kenya, the Fair Play rule emerged as a decisive factor, marking a rare instance in football where disciplinary records significantly impact a team's advancement.
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17:00 - 01.12.2023
FOOTBALL Junior Stars demolish Somalia in CECAFA U-18 boys championship group stage finale
Kenya secured the top spot in Group A of the CECAFA U18 regional football tournament after walloping Somalia.
In a closely contested Group B, both Tanzania and Zanzibar finished with identical points and goal statistics.
However, Tanzania edged out Zanzibar based on their superior disciplinary record, having received fewer cautions throughout the group stage.
This decision, rooted in regulation 3.6 of the tournament rules, underscores the importance of maintaining composure and discipline in competitive football.
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13:00 - 29.11.2023
FOOTBALL Legendary Matthew Ottamax's warning of dear cost ego deals to young football talents
Former Kenya international reflects on his career and offers valuable insights to young football talents, emphasizing lessons from his own experiences.
The regulation stipulates that teams are ranked on multiple criteria, including points, head-to-head records, goal difference, goals scored, and, notably, fair play.
The latter involves evaluating teams based on the number of yellow and red cards received. In this scenario, Tanzania's commendable on-field discipline, with just four cautions compared to Zanzibar's five, became the crucial tiebreaker.
This development has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the growing significance of fair play in football tournaments.
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13:00 - 28.11.2023
FOOTBALL Aldrine Kibet the hero as Junior Stars overcome reselient Rwanda
Aldrine Kibet's left-footed strike in the 38th minute was enough as Junior Stars registered their second straight win of the ongoing CECAFA u18 tournament in Kisumu.
It highlights how every aspect of a team's performance, including their conduct, can be pivotal in determining their fate in closely matched groups.
Tanzania's path to the semi-final was not straightforward. Their journey in Group B saw them drawing 1-1 with Zanzibar in a critical match held in Kakamega.
Bakari Selemani's goal early in the second half was neutralized by Shenani Ibrahim Khamis' equalizer for Zanzibar after 72 minutes. This draw left both teams in a precarious position, eventually leading to the fair play ruling.
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20:30 - 24.11.2023
FOOTBALL Firat: Harambee Stars targeting high-profile friendly against France or Italy
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has disclosed that he is planning on having a friendly match between Kenya and either France or Italy next summer
Meanwhile, Uganda topped Group B with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Sudan in Kisumu.
Goals from Richard Okello and Denis Kisiriko in the second half ensured their spot at the top of the group standings.
Uganda's head coach, Morley Byekwaso Ochama, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and is now gearing up for a challenging semi-final against Rwanda.
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10:00 - 03.12.2023
STARS ABROAD Kenyan striker Jonah Ayunga sets season goals with St Mirren following comeback from knee injury
Ayunga, who has already said he would love to help Harambee Stars qualify for the FIFA World Cup, has now clocked 90 minutes under his belt over two appearances since returning from ACL injury.
” We now need to prepare well ahead of our semi final match against Rwanda, ” added Byekwaso.
The semi-finals are set to be a thrilling encounter with Uganda facing Rwanda and Kenya locking horns with Tanzania.
Both matches are scheduled to take place at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.
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09:00 - 03.12.2023
STARS ABROAD Brian Mandela solid performance not enough as Mamelodi Sundowns stumble against TP Mazembe
Mandela, who is seemingly starting to become a regular starter for Sundowns, did fairly okay although they were downed 1-0 by TP Mazembe on Saturday.
Tanzania, now carrying the flag of fair play into the semi-finals, will have to balance their disciplined approach with the aggressive tactics needed to overcome the host nation, Kenya.
The tournament will conclude with a play-off to determine the third-place team and the grand final, both slated for December 8th, 2023.
Follow our Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
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