Tanzania: Iringa Notch up First Win in U-17 Tourney

The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

Imani Makongoro

16 June 2011

Dar es Salaam — Iringa revived their hopes for a place in the last 16 of the ongoing Copa Coca-Cola Under-17 Championship with a 2-0 win over Zanzibar’s Kaskazini Pemba in an exciting match at Karume Memorial Stadium yesterday.

The victory, the first for the Iringa lads, means they are now third in the Group D standings with four points from three games.They are five points adrift of group leaders Morogoro, who lead the seven-team group with nine points after three outings, three ahead of second-placed Mjini Magharibi of Zanzibar.

Iringa, needing a win to remain in contention for a slot into the next stage of the championship, broke the stalemate only seconds into the game through Khatib Mshana whose shot gave Kaskazini Pemba’s goalie no chance.Looking unperturbed, the Isles boys pressed up front relentlessly in search of an equaliser. They missed three chances towards the end of the first half.

The second half was even more exciting as both teams, enjoyed continued support from their respective fans, pressed upfront in turn throughout the last 45 minutes.

Eight minutes to time, striker Ramadhan Kihwelu killed off whatever little hopes Kaskazini Pemba had for a draw when he made it 2-0 for the Iringa team with a close range shot.

Iringa now need to win all their remaining three matches to join teams that have qualified for the last 16. In another yesterday’s match, Kusini Unguja, another Zanzibar team in the championship, battled to a barren draw with Rukwa at Tamco ground in Kibaha, Coast Region.

Defending champions, who beat Pemba 2-1 on Wednesday, are among teams that are through to the next stage of the annual championship.Other teams Morogoro, Kigoma, Temeke and Ruvuma made it into the last 16 yesterday after winning their respective games. They have nine points each.

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