AFCON QUALIFIERS (Group D Final Matches):
Uganda Cranes 1-0 Comoros
Burkina Faso 2-1 Botswana
Uganda Cranes made history by qualifying to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) come the year 2017 that will be hosted by Gabon.
This was the first qualification achieved since 1978 in Ghana.
In the final group D match played at the fully packed Mandela National Stadium, the Uganda Cranes won 1-0 thanks to Farouk Miya’s 36th minute goal set up by Moses Oloya.
In fact, the home side would have scored more than the successful goal had Joseph Benson Ochaya’s attempt not kissed the woodwork.
Team captain Geofrey Massa also had two missed chances with the on colour right back, Nicholas Wadada missing narrowly from close range.
First lady, Janet Kataha Museveni was the chief guest on the well attended evening. She was accompanied by the State Minister of Sports Hon. Charles Bakabulindi, FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, Honanary FUFA President Lawrence Mulindwa among other dignitaries from Central Government, Kingdoms, FUFA Delegates, current and former players and the fans at large.
In the other group D match, Burkina Faso scored a late goal at home against visiting Botswana to qualify alongside Uganda.
Prejuce Nakoulma put Burkina Faso ahead with an 18th minute strike.
Lesego Galenamothale converted a penalty nine minutes from full time but Banou Diawara won it late in stoppage time for the Stallions.
There was a post match press conference attended by the two countries captains and the coach Milutin Sredejovic.
Uganda Cranes captain Geofrey Massa appreciated everyone whose effort can not go unnoticed throughout the qualification campaigns.
Massa thanked the current and former players, media, sponsors, partners, FUFA administration and Government.
On the other hand, Micho lauded the effort of players and all stake holders in the football struggle.
The much publicized and well intentioned Project Cameroon 2019 is much alive and qualifying to Gabon 2017 is part of the agenda.
Congs Uganda Cranes, Congs FUFA #ProjectCameroon2019 #MujjeTulumbe
Team Line ups:
Uganda Cranes XI: Denis Onyango (G.K), Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Jjuuko, Khalid Aucho, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Geoffrey Massa (Captain), Farouk Miya and William Luwagga Kizito
Substitutes: Jamal Salim (G.K), Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Yunus Sentamu, Godfrey Walusimbi, Ivan Ntege, Emmanuel Okwi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda
Comoros XI: Ali Hamada (G.K), Abdou Nadsm, Fouad Bachirou, Mohamed El Fardou, Yousseouf Mchangama, Bakar Djamel, Ahamada Kassim, Ahamadi Kombo, Ben Youssouf, Chamed Nasser, Youssouf Madi
Substitutes: Mze Ali Ancoub, Mohamed Al Kane, Cheika Houmadi, Omar Mbaranza, Ali Mmadi, Clement Daoudoo
Match Officials: Match Commissioner: George Mwila Kasengele (Zambia)
Referee Assessor: Marcel Njipendi Kuotu (Cameroon)
Center Referee: Malang Diedhiou (Senegal)
Assistant Referee 1: Djibril Camara (Senegal)
Assistant Referee 2: El Hadji Malick Samba (Senegal) Reserve Referee: Maguette Ndiaye (Senegal)
