CHAN: Resolute Togo dims Uganda Cranes’ chances of advancing to quarter finals|Sbk Sports Mail

Debutants Togo handed Uganda cranes their first defeat of this edition’s CHAN tournament on Friday and in the process put the first two goals past Johnathan McKinstry’s defence .

The Sparrowhawks stunned the Uganda Cranes as they defeated them (2-1) in Group C of the TOTAL African Nations Championship (CHAN) match of stunning goals at the Stade de la Reunification in Douala, Cameroon on Friday.

The Cranes were the better side in the first half having started the game on a high which helped them to put their opponents under pressure but unfortunately failed to use their dominancy and instead spurned a couple of decent goal-scoring opportunities ,this reduced their chances of winning the game.

Uganda Revenue Authority speedy winger Joachim Ojera was fouled on the edge of the 18-yard box in the 23rd minute by Messan Toudji but Bright Anukani failed to capitalise on the chance when he stepped up to take the resultant freekick by playing the ball straight into the path of his opponents.

The Cranes earned themselves another free kick when Abdoul-Halimou Sama committed a foul about 20 yards from his goal.This free kick came barely ten minutes after Bright Anukani had wasted Uganda Cranes’ first set-piece near Togo’s 18-yard box but it was also wasted as experienced midfielder Tonny Mawejje failed to get the ball past the wall when he was tasked with the responsibility of taking the free kick .

After a goalless first half the Togolese pushed forward and in the 48th minute were rewarded with an own goal when Uganda Cranes defender Paul Patrick Mbowa inadvertently headed Abdou-Samiou Tchatakora’s headed ball from a short corner into his own net to give the Sparrow Hawks an advantage.

The Cranes immediately searched for an equaliser and three minutes later Uganda Revenue Authority experienced midfielder Saidi Kyeyune succeeded by scoring a 40-yard strike into the back of the net via the underside of the crossbar after spotting some space near the centre circle in the 51st minute.

Another classy goal was scored six minutes later when Togo winger Yendoutie Nane curled in a 20-yard shot via the underside of the crossbar to reclaim his side’s lead in the 57th minute after spotting Uganda cranes custodian out of position.

Ugandan cranes continued to attack in numbers with Kyeyune and Muhamad Shaban all missing the target. The Togolese team defended in numbers to ensure they picked their first victory in a CHAN competition  courtesy of Mbowa’s own goal and Nane’s well-taken left footed dipping volley from outside the box.

Uganda’s Dennis Iguma, Muhamad Shaban and Mustafa Mujuzi were all booked, while Togo’s Messan Toudji and Abdoul Halimou Sama were also cautioned.

Nonetheless despite the shocking defeat, Uganda cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry is well aware that his boys are crestfallen and believes that the only hope left is for the team to win against the title holders and remain in Cameroon for the latter stages of the tournament.

‘As a nation our target is still to go deep into the tournament. If we can reproduce our display showed against Togo especially in the second half and add more quality in the final third we can get a result against Morocco. So when that happens, we will be off to the quarterfinals and aiming forever. I know people are disappointed now as everyone is after a loss but we have to get our heads up and know that we have the quality to go cause Morocco problems’

McKinstry stressed as he gave his post match reaction

The victory means Togo move to second in the group with three points while Morocco retain top spot with four points.Rwanda who drew 0-0 with the Atlas Lions in the earlier game on Friday have two points while Uganda are bottom of the group with one point. 

HOW UGANDA CRANES AND TOGO LINED-UP

UGANDA CRANES XI: 

• Charles Lukwago, Denis Iguma, Aziz Kayondo, Mustafa Mujuzi, Paul Mbowa, Shafiq Kagimu, Tonny Mawejje, Bright Anukani, Ibrahim Orit, Joachim Ojera, Muhammad Shaban

TOGO XI: 

• Abdoul-Moubarak Aigba, Bilal Moussa, Abdoul-Sabourh Bode, Messan Toudji, Marouf Tchakei, Abdou-Samiou Tchatakora, Yendoutie Richard Nane, Ismail Ouro-Agoro, Abdoul-Halimou Sama, Kokouvi Dodzi Amekoudi, Kparo Jarry Ahoro

Uganda will play Morocco in their final group game at the Stade de la Réunification in Douala on Tuesday while Rwanda travel to Limbe to face Togo in the matches that will be played simultaneously.