Cranes reach CECAFA semis

Dec 07, 2009

DIMINUTIVE striker Robert Ssentongo came off the bench to score the only goal as The Uganda Cranes beat hosts Kenya Harambe Stars to storm the semi-finals of the Orange CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

By Reuben Olita
In Nairobi

Zambia 0 (3) Zanzibar 0 (4)
Uganda 1 Kenya 0
Today
Tanzania v Eritrea, 3pm
Rwanda v Zimbabwe, 5pm

DIMINUTIVE striker Robert Ssentongo came off the bench to score the only goal as The Uganda Cranes beat hosts Kenya Harambe Stars to storm the semi-finals of the Orange CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

The defending champions will now play Zanzibar Heroes tomorrow, the Islanders 4-3 penalty shootout winners over guest team Zambia in the first quarterfinal game yesterday at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The Cranes win was a repeat of 2007 and 2008 tournament in Dar es Salaam and Kampala respectively when the two teams met with Uganda again emerging winners, coincidentally with the same margin.

In 2007 the two clashed in the semifinals while in 2008 they met in the final.

The goal that dampened the Kenyans spirits including sports minister, Professor Hellen Sambili came after 62 minutes.

Dan Wagaluka started it all when he laid a perfect pass for Ssentongo to score with a close range shot. The African Lyon of Tanzania player had just come on for midfielder Owen Kasule.

Uganda head coach, Robert Williamson said the victory was attributed to the entire playing unit which played with a purpose and defended his actions to introduce URA midfielder Patrick Ochan at the expense of other strikers.

Williamson promised to make one or two changes in their semi-final match against their bogey opponents.

His Kenyan counterpart, Twahir Muhiddin blamed the result on injuries which he said had hit his team ahead of their crucial tie.

Cranes line up: H. Muwonge, S. Masaba, G. Walusimbi, J. Owino, A. Mwesigwa, O. Kasule (R. Ssentongo), D. Wagaluka, T. Mawejje, G. Massa (E.Okwi), P Ochan, S. Bengo

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