Uganda soar over Lesotho in Kampala

A brace from Emmanuel Okwi at the Mandela National Stadium helped Uganda to reclaim the top spot of Group L after with a 3-0 home victory over Lesotho on Saturday.

The Cranes aggressive start produced results with Miya scoring in between as the hosted coasted to a convincing win and boost their chances on the standings.

Okwi lit up the crowd with a well drilled left footer that easily beat goalkeeper Mohau Kuenane in the 11th minute.

On the quarter-hour mark, Miya had a free-kick on the edge of the Lesotho goal area hit the defensive wall. Two minutes later, Miya released Edrisa Lubega with a defense splitter but the fast paced forward had a weak final shot at goal.

Uganda goalkeeper, Denis Onyango, had a fingertip save off Tumelo Khutlang from arguably Lesotho’s best chance of the half and moments later, the Cranes won a penalty after Tsoarelo fouled Okwi in the vital area.

Miya stood up to convert the resultant penalty, sending goalkeeper Kuenane the wrong way for the second goal eight minutes before the break.

In the second half, Lesotho started with a substitution as Masoabi Synous Nkoto replaced Nkau Lerotholi.

Two minutes into the second half, Joseph Ochaya combined with Lubega on the far left. The latter crossed for Moses Waiswa whose intended half volley was misplaced. Ten minutes later, Lesotho right winger Hlompho Kalake shot over the bar.

The first change for Cranes was after 58 minutes as Ibrahim Sadam Juma replaced Ochaya. Lesotho, too, replaced Sera for Paul Jane.

Okwi scored his second goal on the evening, and Uganda’s third, a decent header off Lubega’s cross from the left on 63 minutes.

The Cranes now has seven points from three matches and return to the summit, dislodging Cape Verde who also beat Tanzania 3-0 in Praia.