Aucho inspires Cranes past Sudan

By Swalley Kenyi

CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

Uganda 1 Sudan 0

KHALID Aucho’s strike from the edge of the box is all Uganda Cranes needed to beat Sudan in their final Group C match of the ongoing CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi Kenya on Thursday.

The Cranes advance to the quarterfinal of the annual championship where they will play neighbours Tanzania at the coastal town of Mombasa on Saturday.

In what appeared to head either way before a heavy downpour, Aucho killed off Sudan’s hopes when he struck in the 49th minute.

He was later replaced by Baba Kizito with 10 minutes left to play while Hamis Kizza who had earlier on been ruled out, replaced Vincent Kayizzi.

Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic effectively promised an entertaining quarterfinal encounter against Tanzania.

“We have equal chances with Tanzania to advance to the next stage. It will be a very hard match but I have confidence in the players to make it. Scoring five goals (in three matches) without conceding is telling enough,” Micho said after the win.

Uganda and Sudan tied at six points before kickoff having won their first two matches with the same goal differences. Sudan will face Kenya in the other quarterfinal.

Sudan had scoring opportunities of their own but they were repelled by on form Cranes goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan.