The draw for the upcoming CECAFA U20 tournament to be held in Asmara, Eritrea has released. The draw was held today during a CECAFA Press Conference held at the secretariats offices at the Nyayo National Stadium. Kenya has drawn hosts Eritrea, Tanzania and Sudan in Pool A for the Regional U20 tournament that kicks off on August 14th. In drawing Sudan, it will be the third meeting between the two sides in less than two months. This Saturday, the two teams will play in the return match of the Africa Junior qualifiers. Kenya won the first leg match 2-0 in Khartoum a fortnight ago.

Teams will be air-lifted

Nicholas Musonye, the Secretary General of Council for East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) said yesterday arrangements for the two week tournament are complete and everything has been put in place to ensure a successful event. “The government of Eritrea and several United Agencies have undertaken to underwrite the entire cost of the event,” he revealed.

All participating teams will be air-lifted to Asmara from Nairobi on August 12. Ethiopia, Djibouti and Burundi will all not take part due to internal wrangles but defending Champions Uganda, Rwanda, Zanzibar, guest Yemen (Pool A), hosts Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Tanzania (Pool B) will be taking part.

The winner’s purse has been set at Kshs. 800,000 with the runners-up smiling all the way home with half of the ultimate purse. Kshs. 240,000 will be paid out to winner of the semis losers.

The opening match will be between hosts Eritrea against Tanzania. After playing Sudan on August 16th, Kenya’s next match will be against Somalia on August 19. Current national under-20 coach Vince Ombiji has revealed he will use most of the players he has in camp for the regional tournament. “I haven’t studied the fixtures yet but I remain confident that the boys we currently have can do well in the regional tournament,” he said.

Kenya finished in the semi-finals in the last edition held in Sudan last year.

Summary

Pool A: Kenya, Eritrea, Sudan, Tanzania & Somalia

Pool B: Uganda, Rwanda, Zanzibar & Yemen

Kick Off: 14th August 2010

Venue: Asmara, Eritrea