Zanzibar beat defending champions Uganda 2-1 at Moi Stadium Kisumu Friday to reach final of this year’s CECAFA Senior Challenge.

They will face hosts Kenya in the final booked for Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.

The Islanders were the first to score through Abdoulaziz Makame in the 22nd minute with a lovely turn and shot brushed Uganda’s goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan feet into the net.

But the response by the record holders was shift and bold as they leveled through Nisibambi Derrick’s effortless strike off Muzamir Mutyba’s inviting left cross six minutes later for a 1-1 half time score.

Mohammed Issa grabbed the winner from the spot in the 57th minute after substitute Joseph Nsubuga pulled down Ibrahim Hamad in the forbidden area with the ref pointing to the spot.

Joseph was shown straight card for Uganda’s third in the tournament.

Zanzibar will face Kenya for the ultimate prize at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos on Sunday.

The Heroes won their first and last title in 1995 in Uganda while Kenya’ Harambee Stars, who are the second most successful country in the tournament will be chasing for a seventh title since Nairobi 2013.