Uganda U20 coach Laryea Kingston was left exasperated by the officiating after his side's 3-2 defeat to Sudan in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) CECAFA qualifiers semi-final at Uhuru Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania on Tuesday.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe result ended Uganda's hopes of qualifying for next year's U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, while Sudan completed a dramatic comeback to secure their place at the continental tournament.Sudan rally from behind to stun Uganda, secure ticket to U20 AFCONUganda started strongly and took an early lead through Richard Okello, but Sudan responded before taking control after the break. Waheed Shandi put Sudan ahead before Derick Ssozi restored parity for Uganda.Sudan, however, struck again late through Mazin Fadul to complete the comeback and secure a place at the U20 AFCON.##NAJAVA_MECA_9978892##Kingston congratulated Sudan for their achievement but felt Uganda had been denied two legitimate goals during the match."We played a very good game. I want to congratulate the Sudanese because they knew they were coming to meet a very good side and they stuck to what they wanted to do," Kingston said.Why Patrick Matasi believes he deserves second chance with Harambee Stars"At the end of the day, we were denied two clean goals. The first one, the corner straight to the goal, it's inside. Then when we were trailing, we scored an amazing goal and I don't think that one was offside either."The Ghanaian coach expressed his disappointment with the referee's performance but was keen not to take anything away from Sudan's victory.##NAJAVA_MECA_9978907##"For me, I'm disappointed with the performance of the referee. It's not fair to the players and to us as coaches as well. But I don't want to overshadow their victory. Credit to them."Kingston also praised the competitiveness of the tournament, highlighting Ethiopia and Burundi while noting the progress of youth football across the CECAFA region.Tusker chairman reveals the club's new home ground for 2026-2027 season"I found the tournament very competitive. Ethiopia stood out for me, and Burundi as well. I'm impressed with the quality in the CECAFA tournament now."Despite the disappointment, Kingston believes Uganda can use the experience to build another generation capable of competing at the top of the region.##NAJAVA_MECA_9978882##"We have two more years until we are here again. We will work on the U15 and U17. This group is very talented, and we will keep monitoring them and strengthening the team. In two years' time, we will come back strong."
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