A runner-up silver medal to go along with a top  scorer’s Golden Ball and Best Goalie Golden Glove, Ethiopian U-17 National side famously nick named Red Foxes returned from AFCON U-17 2019 Qualification CECAFA Zone championship with a red carpet reception by Officials from the Ethiopian Football Federation and Football fans.
“Thanks to Head Coach Temesgen Dana and his assistant Derege Tesfaye because they allowed us to play freely and naturally. It is because of that we reached the cup final,” One of the players among the upcoming heroes told Capital Sport.
A 4-2 group stage thrashing followed by another thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout semifinal victory over Rwanda, the Red Foxes were hot favorites to take home the title as well becoming CECAFA representative in the Africa Nations U-17 Cup final. However Uganda determined to avenge the group stage defeat appeared in full throttle dominating the show from the start. The opening goal in the first quarter of an hour then two goals in the second half, things turned out too much for the Red Foxes although they scored a consolation goal in extra time. A 3-1 defeat Red Foxes missed a dream chance of a place in the Nations cup final yet achieved a great deal.
A proud runner-up with only one defeat in six matches conceding only four goals, amazing target man from Hawassa Mentesenot Endrias won the Golden Boot award finishing top scorer of the tournament with 8 goals while his team mate Alazar Markos who saved a penalty against group showdown against Uganda took home The Golden Glove for best goalie of the tourney.
After a festive dinner at Sky Hotel each of the players took home 5,000 Birr in prize money while Head Coach Temesgen Dana and assistant Derege Tesfaye pocketed 10,000 Birr each.