CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2019: Uganda Cranes through to semis after successful three consecutive wins - FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Posted on December 12, 2019 - 12:01 am by Ahmed Marsha

CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2019

Burundi 1-2 Djibouti

Eritrea 0-2 Uganda Cranes

Uganda Cranes qualified for the semifinals of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup after successfully winning a third Group A match against Eritrea at the StarTimes Stadium Lugogo on Wednesday evening.

Midfielder Nicolas Kasozi got the lead for Uganda Cranes in the 58^th minute with a long shot that beaten Eritrea goalkeeper Kibrom Solomun from 30 yards.

Cranes midfielder Nicolas Kasozi and Muzamiru Mutyaba challenging Eritrea player Robel Teklemicheal

Mustafa Kizza doubled the lead 10 minutes to time from the spot-kick after Micheal Habte intercepted Kizza’s freekick with his arm inside the area.

Second-half substitute Joachim Ojera who came in for Viane Sekajugo increased the momentum of the game through the right side. He created several chances at goal but final efforts from Joel Madondo failed to hit the target.

Uganda Cranes defender Musitafa Mujuzi driving the ball into Eritrea’s half

In the 86^th minute, Kizza was released by youngster Karim Watambala with a beautiful through pass. The former made an accurate minus that found Ojera unmarked on the far right but the touch from the pacey winger went over the bar.

‘Our opponents had a smooth passing of the ball. But Football is about winning games. We did better in the second half but we seriously need to be better than today. When we made changes like we did today we expected tactically some things not to be perfect. One of our objectives was to rest a few players who did and got the results.’ Said Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry during the post-match press conference.

The Cranes will return to action with the last Group A match on Sunday 15^th December against Djibouti

Uganda Cranes Starting XI

Joel Mutakubwa (GK) (Kyetume FC), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline FC), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA FC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Paul Mbowa (URA FC), Nicolas Kasozi (KCCA FC), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA FC), Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Ben Ocen (Police FC), ), Steven Mukwala (Maroons FC), and Viane Sekajugo (Wakiso Giants)

Subs;

Charles Lukwago (GK) (KCCA FC), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), John Revita (KCCA FC Shafiq Kagimu (URA FC), Bright Anukani (Proline FC), Allan Okello (KCCA FC), Joachim Ojera (URA FC), Fahad Bayo (Vipers SC), Joel Madondo (Busoga United)

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes striker Steven Mukwala aiming to shoot at Eritrea goal