The Uganda Cranes had a perfect start by shocking LG Cup hosts Morocco with a 1-0 victory in the four Nations official opening match played under floodlights last night.
St. George FC player Mike Sserumaga struck in the 47 minute after both teams had played to a goalless first half. Hosts Morocco went into the game as favourites but left shocked after the 90 minutes. Earlier on, West African giants, Cameroon had humbled Sudan 3-1 in a one-sided game.
Morocco who had all their professional players on board including Youssouf Hadji, Marouane Chamakh and Ousamma Assaidin among others created more chances at Uganda’s goal mouths but all their efforts got frustrated by an experienced goalkeeper Denis onyango.
Onyango came in for Abby Dhaira who had been landed a starter’s chance but limped off in the 3rd minute after he was involved in a collusion with his defenders and two Moroccan strikers. Debutant Henry Kalungi had a perfect game until late in the second half when he was substituted after pulling a muscle in the thigh.
Coach Bobby Williamson commended his players after the crucial match and attributed the win to good team work. “The team played as a unit and I am impressed with the results”, said the Scottish tactician. He also added, “We had all the respect for the home team and they did their best but our side was very focused”. Uganda will now play Sudan on Sunday before Morocco takes on Cameroon. The Cranes starting line up had Abby Dhaira (Onyanga Denis,3′), Masaba Simeon, Walusimbi Geoffrey, Isaac Isinde, Kalungi Henry, Wasswa Hassan, Kayizzi vincent, Ochan Patrick, Serumaga Mike, Umony Brian and Kavuma Habib.
