CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2019
Group A
Eritrea 1-0 Burundi
Uganda Cranes 2-0 Somalia
Uganda Cranes received a second successive win in the ongoing CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup after a 2-0 defeat over Somalia at the StarTimes Stadium Lugogo on Monday evening.
KCCA FC midfielder Allan Okello was on his peak when he sliced home with a brace that sunk a had fighting Somalia side before a cheering crowd.
Okello got the lead in the 28th minute with a hard shot that left goalkeeper Said Aweys Ali beaten on the left corner of his goal post.
With a few minutes to the break Bright Anukani controlled the ball within the six-yard box and intelligently faked two defenders who gave way for him to have a scoring opportunity, however, his effort was saved by the goalkeeper off the line.
Into the second half, Uganda Cranes Coach brought on Nicolas Kasozi for Joel Madondo who was playing on the right flank.
The tactical change saw Okello switching to the right were he dribbled passed Liban Abdiaziz before curving the ball into the right corner of the Somalis goal to double the lead for Cranes in the 67th minute.
‘The schedule for matches is very difficult for our players. Playing two games in three days is a little bit difficult. Our players had tired legs and tired minds that affected quite a number of opportunities which came our way but on any other day we would have scored more than today. We largely dominated the game and we deserved the win. Two in two games gives us a good foundation to move on in the tournament.‘ said McKinstry
During the 75th minute, Joachim Ojera was substituted for Viane Sekajugo who also has chances at goal but the goalkeeper made brilliant saves to keep Somalia only 2 goals down.
Teenager Karim Watambala was also given the opportunity to play part in the game during the 86th minute.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI:
Charles Lukwago (GK) (KCCA FC), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Mustafa Kizza (KCCA FC), John Revita (KCCA FC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Shafiq Kagimu (URA FC) (Karim Watambala 86‘), Bright Anukani (Proline FC), Allan Okello (KCCA FC), Joachim Ojera (URA FC) (Viane Sekajugo 75′), Fahad Bayo (Vipers SC), Joel Madondo (Busoga United) (Nicolas Kasozi 63‘)
Subs Not Used: Joel Mutakubwa (GK) (Kyetume FC), Musitafa Mujuzi (Proline FC), Paul Mbowa (URA FC), Steven Mukwala (Maroons FC), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA FC), Ben Ocen (Police FC)
MAIN PHOTO: Allan Okello celebrates his second goal
