Rwanda U18 head coach Jean Baptiste Kayiranga has admitted that Uganda deserved to go through to the CACAFA U18 final at the expense of Rwanda. Rwanda’s journey at the CECAFA U18 came to a shocking end on Tuesday, December 5, after a 1-0 semifinal defeat to Uganda through a second half strike from Aboubakar Mayanja at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu. The victory propelled Uganda to the final where they will face Kenya who beat Tanzania 3-2 on penalties after the game in a stalemate. Commenting on Rwanda’s elimination, Kayiranga concedes that the result against was fair, pointing out that his boys were not at their best. It was not the result we wanted. Uganda was stronger than us, they were tougher than we expected, Kayiranga stated in the post match press conference. ALSO READ: CECAFA U18: Sibomana’s winner powers 10-man Rwanda past Somalia You see that they have players with legs that are familiar with the game, technique, strength and others. They were very prepared, he added. Tuesday’s defeat summed up Rwanda’s campaign which was characterized by mixed result. They defeated Somalia 1-0 in the opening game of the group stages before Kenya beat them 1-0 to leave their qualification in the hands of Sudan. But Kayiranga's side bounced back in grand style to thrash Sudan 3-0 to finish second in Group A and set a semifinal date with Uganda who beat them in the semifinals.
