Uganda claim Cecafa crown again with win over Rwanda

Uganda's players celebrated their 12th Cecafa title on Saturday

Uganda have won the Cecafa Cup, the regional tournament for east and central Africa, for the 12th time.

But the Cranes needed penalties to beat Rwanda on Saturday after coming from behind to level the match at 2-2.

It was a hugely entertaining game, which came to life in the second half.

All four goals came in the second period , with Rwanda taking the lead twice, only to be denied at the last by an own goal from one of their most prolific scorers.

Rwanda went in front through Meddie Kagere but that goal was cancelled out by Uganda skipper Andy Mwesigwa, who scrambled it home after a goal-mouth melee.

Kagere got his second shortly after that with a stunning shot, but as the Amavubi tried to defend their lead his compatriot Olivier Karekezi headed an own-goal as he tried to clear.

Uganda coach Bobby Williamson was full of praise for his team.

"Hard work, perserverance - the boys dug deep," he told the BBC when asked how they had achieved their success.

"We've had a hard tournament, especially the last few games, playing for two hours on Thursday and two hours today [but] we've pleased our fans and that's the most important thing.

"It's great, we're a good team and we show how we can play - it's not easy, we've been here a long time.

I've got to thank [the players] for their dedication and their professionalism, it's not easy I can tell you."