Road to Anfield: Uganda exit as TZ reign supreme

PIC: Uganda ambassador to Tanzania Dorothy Huhya joins the Ugandan representaives (Coca Cola) before the kickoff of the competition in Tanzania. (Credit: Norman Katende)

Standard Chartered Bank Trophy Regional Leg

Results

Uganda 0 Kenya 1

Tanzania 0 Uganda 1

Tanzania 1 Kenya 0

Kenya 1 Uganda 0

Tanzania 2 Uganda 1

Kenya 0 Tanzania 1

Uganda, represented by Coca Cola, managed to beat Tanzania but lost other three matches against Kenya and Tanzania in a home-and-away format, and also an opportunity for a dream trip to Anfield in May.

The Saturday action, which was the regional leg of the Standard Chartered Bank trophy, was played at the Jakaya Kikwete Park in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and was aimed at selecting a regional winner who will compete in the third and final leg of the tournament dubbed as The Road to Anfield.

Tanzania, represented by Azania, won the trip after edging out defending champions Kenya, who were represented by Capital FM by a superior goal difference. Both teams managed seven points each.

The Ugandan team (in green) playing against Kenya at Jakaya Kikwete Stadium. (Credit: Norman Katende)

Uganda looked to have secured a lifeline after they scored first, but Tanzania replied to win 2-1, to rule them out of the competition and leave them to battle with the Kenyans.

"It was a tough match and we were not playing only on a tough surface on the artificial turf but it was also so hot. We were not used to such conditions but the good thing is that we gave it our best and the results are there," said Uganda's Captain Ismail Lukooya, who limped off due to an injury.

The match played under sweltering temperatures of over 34 degrees was watched by Uganda's ambassador to Tanzania Dorothy Huhya and other Ugandans who came in to support the team.

"We played a good game and the better team won. We are happy that our representatives did not let us down. Even in the matches they lost, it was honourable and what we need is experience to get to that level. More training time like their counterparts who train throughout the year," said Cynthia Mpanga.

Here, the Ugandan representatives (in green) play against Tanzania. (Credit: Norman Katende)

The winner will fly to Liverpool in May, visit the Liverpool Academy and be trained by some Liverpool legends, tour Anfield and other Liverpool places and play in the Standard Chartered Bank Trophy International leg, which attracts teams across the globe.

The final of the international leg will be played at Anfield in front of a large crowd just after the Liverpool v Middlesbrough Premier League home game.

Table Standing

Team                                   P  W D  L  F A GD Pts

Tanzania                              4   2  1  1 4  2  2    7

Kenya                                  4   2  1  1 3  3  0    7

Uganda                                4   1  0  3 2  4  2    3