KASONGO STRIKES
May 29, 2003
EKUCHU Kasongo enjoyed a dream debut as Cranes defeated Tanzania in a Nations Cup build-up game yesterday.
By Mark Namanya
Uganda 3 Tanzania 1
EKUCHU Kasongo enjoyed a dream debut as Cranes defeated Tanzania in a Nations Cup build-up game yesterday.
Kasongo scored his 11th and 12th goals of a productive season to hand coach Pedro Pasculli his first victory. Philip Ssozi scored the other.
The win is a welcome relief for Cranes, who have struggled to score despite creating lots of chances. Cranes was unimaginative but effective against a Tanzania side that showed great athleticism in the first half.
The Taifa Stars, powered by the versatile Joseph Kamiki, stroked around the ball but rarely threatened Ibrahim Mugisha’s goal.
It was not until Godfrey Kateregga’s cross ricocheted off Hassan Mubiru for Kasongo to score in the 39th minute that Cranes looked in control. Ssozi stretched the lead just before the break when Hakim Magumba was upended in the box.
Omar Kapirima sent Mugisha the wrong way, from the penalty spot in the 84th minute, but Kasongo finished a delightful Abubaker Tabula cross with a diving header four minutes later to seal victory.
“There have been some positives in the game but we are still improving,†said Pasculli.
Cranes are preparing for next week’s make or break Tunisia 2004 Nations Cup qualifier against Rwanda’s Amavubi stars.
Cranes line up
Mugisha, Katerega (Obwiny), Rwebuga (Makanga), Mubiru, Zidane, Kidega (Babadi), Ssozi (Ssali), Magumba (Bajope), Kasongo, Mubiru, Obua (Tabula). Ends
Uganda 3 Tanzania 1
EKUCHU Kasongo enjoyed a dream debut as Cranes defeated Tanzania in a Nations Cup build-up game yesterday.
Kasongo scored his 11th and 12th goals of a productive season to hand coach Pedro Pasculli his first victory. Philip Ssozi scored the other.
The win is a welcome relief for Cranes, who have struggled to score despite creating lots of chances. Cranes was unimaginative but effective against a Tanzania side that showed great athleticism in the first half.
The Taifa Stars, powered by the versatile Joseph Kamiki, stroked around the ball but rarely threatened Ibrahim Mugisha’s goal.
It was not until Godfrey Kateregga’s cross ricocheted off Hassan Mubiru for Kasongo to score in the 39th minute that Cranes looked in control. Ssozi stretched the lead just before the break when Hakim Magumba was upended in the box.
Omar Kapirima sent Mugisha the wrong way, from the penalty spot in the 84th minute, but Kasongo finished a delightful Abubaker Tabula cross with a diving header four minutes later to seal victory.
“There have been some positives in the game but we are still improving,†said Pasculli.
Cranes are preparing for next week’s make or break Tunisia 2004 Nations Cup qualifier against Rwanda’s Amavubi stars.
Cranes line up
Mugisha, Katerega (Obwiny), Rwebuga (Makanga), Mubiru, Zidane, Kidega (Babadi), Ssozi (Ssali), Magumba (Bajope), Kasongo, Mubiru, Obua (Tabula). Ends