Uganda down Botswana in Kampala

Second half goals from Geoffrey Massa and Brian Umony separated Uganda and Botswana in the opening tie of the AFCON 2017 Group D qualifier on Saturday.

It ensured the Cranes kept alive the dreams of yet another campaign alive since their last appearance in 1978, when they reached the final.

But it all started with a rare tactical move. Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic played Brian Majwega behind natural left back Godfrey Walusimbi who played on the left side of midfield.

Isaac Isinde and Richard Kassaga were at the heart of defence with Denis Guma on the right with goalkeeper Denis Onyango completing the backline. Khalid Aucho played in the holding midfield role, with Kizito Luwagga, and Miya Farouk the other midfielders. Skipper of the day Massa and Umony led the chase for goals.

And it was Massa from the right sent in a ground cross but Walusmbi failed to connect with the goal at his mercy in the opening minutes.

Few minutes later, Uganda Premier League player of the year, Miya had a chance of his own to unlock the Botswana defense, his teasing cross wasn’t anticipated by Massa and it went begging.

Portugal-based Luwagga’s trickery in the areas was too much for the Zebras at the half-hour mark. With the help of Massa’s screening, the visitors’ defence still wasn’t able to close down Miya who was advancing from midfield.

Miya was again denied in the 45th minute when his effort was deflected out for a corner after Walusimbi who had dashed in the right.

But all that mattered less after Massa opened the scoring for the Cranes in the 54th minute with Umony also finding the back of the net on 64 minutes to give Uganda a winning start.

Cranes coach Sredojevic praised his young squad for their determination especially in the second half of the game and the patience exhibited.

“We have worked hard to reach here and we deserve the result because the boys really gave their best. It looks great if you win at home. We have a busy schedule ahead of us with the CHAN, and U-23 qualifiers in the few weeks to come,” said Micho.

Botswana coach, Peter Butler was quick to reveal that Uganda was able to pick three points because of the hostility of the ‘12

“If you make mistakes against a team of this calibre, in front a hostile crowd like the one of today you will be punished. It was a nice crowd out there, they were fantastic and got behind Uganda. Unfortunately we don’t have so many big crowds like that in Botswana,” he added.