The inaugural Ateker cup of nations climaxed with Uganda’s Ngora FC triumphing over all others in the tournament played in Lodwar City Turkana County, Kenya.
The tournament that was played for four days was the first ever Ateker cup of nations It featured 26 teams from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan and aims to use sport to spur development among the Ateker.
Ateker is a common name for closely related Karamojong, Turkana, Toposa, Nyangatom and Teso peoples from different countries who share a similar language.
The tournament was played on a single round robin group phase followed by a knock out at the four venues of Lodwar, Nakwamekwi, Prisons and Kanam play grounds.
The final in which Uganda’s Ngora FC beat Kenya’s Kakuma FC 5-4 in post-match spot kicks was watched by a huge crowd including a high-level delegation including Uganda’s minister for Karamoja affairs Peter Lokeris.
Also in attendance was Kenya’s minister for East African affairs Beatrice Asukul whose message from President William Ruto lauded the initiative for its insistence on the youth.
Kenya’s football association president Hussein Mohammed and Uganda’s national council of sports board member Cecilia Anyakoit among others also graced the final.
Other teams in the competition included Titans and River Spurs of Kenya, Nyangaland and Nyangatom Rangers of Ethiopia, Toposa of South Sudan and Agape and Katakwi of Uganda.
The tournament is expected to be annual after a successful inaugural edition.
