Cranes beat Botswana to keep AFCON hopes alive
Jun 04, 2016
At half time Uganda led 1-0
Uganda Cranes have moved closer to ending their 38 year absence at the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 win over Botswana on Saturday.
The match was played at the Francistown Sports Complex in Botswana's second city.
Cranes made a bright start with skipper Geoffrey Massa caught offside just two minutes into the match.
Massa then took a back seat as Luwagga Kizito and Faruku Miya enjoyed more time on the ball. He was substituted for Emma Okwi.
Luwagga beautifully controlled Tony Mawejje's long pass into the Zebra's box before slotted past Kabelo Dambe in goal in the ninth minute.
At half time Uganda led 1-0 but Botswana started the 2nd half strongly.
Mankgatai Onkabetse equalized in the 50th minute following a lapse in Uganda's defence and beat slot past Onyango just four minutes into the second-half.
The hosts' joy didn't last long as Khalid Aucho scored what turned out to be the winner in the 53rd minute.
Midfielder Farouk Miya evades Botswana's midfielder Tebogo Sosome (L) during the match. AFP Photo
Farouk Miya looked fatigued and in the 65th minute, coach Micho Sredojevic substituted him for Godfrey Walusimbi.
Botswana got a number of free-kicks in promising positions Cranes custodian Denis Onyango comfortably saved.
The win propels Uganda to the top of Group D with 10 points pending Burkina Faso's encounter with Comoros on Sunday before the final group game against Comoros in September.