The Uganda Cranes has qualified for the 2009 CECAFA senior challenge Cup finals in Nairobi by humbling the stubborn Zanzibaris by 2 goals against 1.
Uganda went ahead through a trademark Steven Bengo free kick in the second minute of the match. Another corner in the 23rd minute by Walusimbi was headed back into play by Team Captain Andy Mwesigwa and the Zanzibar Defender connected it into his own net. Even after two quick, acrobatic and reflex saves by Hamzah Muwonge, a goal melee made him concede the first goal after 345 minutes in this tournament in the 75th minute.
There was a bit of tension in the last quarter hour with the aid of the wind but the Ugandans held on and instead it was a clear denial of foul in the 18 yard box against Geoffrey Massa that would have been regretted had the results gone the other way round.
Dan Wagaluka who has had a wonder tournament limped off after stepping badly but has since been confirmed to be alright to play in the finals. He was replaced by the SC Villa young midfielder Simon Sserunkuma and his dazzling dribble earned Uganda a number of free kicks in front of the 18 yard box
Kenya goal hero, Robert Sentongo, had come on for Owen Kasule and Emma Okwi came in for Geoffrey Massa
The Uganda Cranes will now wait to take on the winner between Rwanda and Tanzania and by the time of this article, the organizers were still locked in a meeting to decide whether the finals are shifted from Sunday to Saturday
Line-up
1) Hamzah Muwonge (Bunamwaya SC)
2) Simon Massa (SC Villa)
3) Godfrey Walusimbi (SC Villa)
4) Joseph Owino (Simba-TZ)
5) Andy Mwesigwa(IBV-Iceland)
6) Owen Kasule (Bunamwaya SC) (Robert Sentongo-African Lyon-TZ)
7) Dan Wagaluka (Azam-TZ) (Simon Serunkuma-SC Villa)
8) Tony Mawejje (IBV-Iceland)
9) Massa Geoffrey (Etelsat-Egypt) (Emma Okwi-Simba-TZ)
10) Ochan Patrick (St George-Ethiopia)
11) Steven Bengo (Young African-TZ)
Unused Substitutes
1) Wakabu Godfrey (Express SC)
2) Doka Musa (URA FC)
3) Peter Senyonjo (Ug. Police FC)
4) Mike Serumaga (URA FC)
