Cranes pick vital point in Burundi
THE Cranes got off to an impressive start in the Africa Nations Championship.Striker Henry Kisekka was Uganda’s hero with the goal that gave the Cranes a crucial point in Bujumbura’s Louis Rwagasore stadium.
Nations Championship
March 14
Burundi 1 Uganda 1
By James Bakama
THE Cranes got off to an impressive start in the Africa Nations Championship.Striker Henry Kisekka was Uganda’s hero with the goal that gave the Cranes a crucial point in Bujumbura’s Louis Rwagasore stadium.
Kisekka, earlier described by coach Bobby Williamson as a player who never lets him down, showed nerves well beyond his years by shooting in a Musa Mude cross 19 minutes into the match.
The hosts however clawed their way back with an equalizer from a Pierre Kwizera long range shortly afterwards.
Several Ugandans in the 7000 seater stadium later looked on in disappointment as Sadam Juma, Sula Matovu and Kisekka wasted more first half chances.
Williamson’s decision to keep faith in goalkeeper Hamza Muwonge also proved worthwhile.
Muwonge, who was got out of police cells for national duty, was not only ever alert, but also pulled off one of those rare saves.
A charging Masudi Baribaho
seemed to have the entire Cranes defence at his mercy in injury time. But Muwonge seemed to pounce from nowhere to grab the ball from the striker’s foot.
Tony Odur and his substitute
Anthony Bongole were both yellow carded for rough play. Noah Semakula came in for Sadam in Uganda’s other change.
Williamson noted that much as the result was good, it could have easily even been better if it wasn’t for the astro-turf surface.
With a good turn-up in the return leg a fortnight from now, Williamson is confident the Cranes can eject the central Africans.
March 14
Burundi 1 Uganda 1
By James Bakama
THE Cranes got off to an impressive start in the Africa Nations Championship.Striker Henry Kisekka was Uganda’s hero with the goal that gave the Cranes a crucial point in Bujumbura’s Louis Rwagasore stadium.
Kisekka, earlier described by coach Bobby Williamson as a player who never lets him down, showed nerves well beyond his years by shooting in a Musa Mude cross 19 minutes into the match.
The hosts however clawed their way back with an equalizer from a Pierre Kwizera long range shortly afterwards.
Several Ugandans in the 7000 seater stadium later looked on in disappointment as Sadam Juma, Sula Matovu and Kisekka wasted more first half chances.
Williamson’s decision to keep faith in goalkeeper Hamza Muwonge also proved worthwhile.
Muwonge, who was got out of police cells for national duty, was not only ever alert, but also pulled off one of those rare saves.
A charging Masudi Baribaho
seemed to have the entire Cranes defence at his mercy in injury time. But Muwonge seemed to pounce from nowhere to grab the ball from the striker’s foot.
Tony Odur and his substitute
Anthony Bongole were both yellow carded for rough play. Noah Semakula came in for Sadam in Uganda’s other change.
Williamson noted that much as the result was good, it could have easily even been better if it wasn’t for the astro-turf surface.
With a good turn-up in the return leg a fortnight from now, Williamson is confident the Cranes can eject the central Africans.