Red Arrows clinch title

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a thrilling final at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Zambia’s Red Arrows FC clinched the regional CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup title after a dramatic 10-9 penalty shoot-out win against APR of Rwanda.

The intense match had ended 1-1 after regular time, leading to extra time.

The final was a colourful affair with both teams showcasing their skills, culminating in a thrilling penalty shoot-out where Red Arrows FC held their nerve, converting ten spot kicks to APR’s nine out of ten.

Ricky Banda ignited celebrations for Red Arrows FC with a goal in the 63rd minute, setting the stage for a gripping encounter that kept football enthusiasts on the edge of their seats throughout the evening.

Both teams showcased intense determination from the outset, with a goalless first half setting the stage for a gripping second period and eventual extra time.

APR FC’s Mamadou Sy levelled the score just before the final whistle. Red Arrows FC, under the guidance of Coach Chisi Mbewe, had a rollercoaster journey to the final.

They began with a cautious start, securing a narrow 1-0 win over Gor Mahia FC (Kenya), but faced a setback with a heavy 5-0 defeat to Al Hilal in their second match.

In a crucial group stage decider, they secured a vital 1-0 victory over ASAS Djibouti Telecom.

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Their semifinal clash saw them score twice in extra time after a goalless 90 minutes, propelling them to the final.

APR’s path to the final was equally challenging, starting with 1-0 victories over Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) and El Merriekh Bentiu (South Sudan), and drawing 1-1 with Uganda’s SC Villa in their final group match.

In the semi-finals, they triumphed 5-4 in a penalty shootout against Al Hilal after a goalless draw in regular time.

Earlier in the day, Sudan Premier League team Al Hilal secured third place in a tense encounter, defeating Hay Al Wadi 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regular time.

Al Hilal took the lead through Altayeb Abakaer in the 39th minute, swiftly equalised by Mohamed Adam for Hay Al Wadi four minutes later.

The deadlock persisted through extra time, leading to the decisive penalty shootout where both goalkeepers showcased exceptional skill.

Al Hilal’s victory secured them third place in the tournament, capping off a memorable campaign in the CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Cup.

The tournament sponsored by the Sudan Football Association (SFA), Tanzania Ports Authority, Azam TV and Rwanda President Paul Kagame saw the champions bag 30,000 US dollars, and the runner-up 20,000 US dollars.

The third placed team smiled away with 10,000 US dollars.