Uganda Cranes XI VS Kenya – FUFA Media Photo
Uganda Cranes’ road to the 2022 World Cup has come to an end after a 1-1 draw with neighbours Kenya at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende
The visitors (Kenya) looked the stronger team in the opening quarter of the match, putting together some fine passing moves and denying the hosts any significant time on the ball.
The Harambee Stars could have taken the lead just after 23 minutes when their talisman and skipper Michael Olunga was put through on goal, but he was denied one-on-one by a brilliant save from Uganda custodian Charles Lukwago.
The Cranes had their first notable chance on 28 minutes when Vipers SC’s Bobosi Byaruhanga had a shot on goal from a free kick which was spilled by the Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Bwire, and the rebound was then fired wide by Uganda Cranes defender Bevis Mugabi.
Uganda gradually settled into the game and made it a more even contest, though they nearly fell behind late in the first half when a scramble in the penalty saw the ball poked towards goal and it took a heroic clearance off the line from Abdul Aziz Kayondo to see the score stay at 0-0 heading into the interval.
At the start of the second stanza, Uganda Cranes head coach made a double change at the start, introducing Milton Karisa and Ibrahim Orit, with the latter almost having an immediate impact with a shot on 48 minutes that flashed just wide of the target.
Uganda were headed for a defeat at home until Kenyan keeper Brian Bwire’s error saw them scrape a point in the 90th minute. The Kenyan keeper delayed to pick the ball from the ground as he tried to run down the clock with Kenya leading 1-0.
However, Fahad Bayo quickly jumped in to kick the ball into the net before the keeper could completely grasp it off the ground.
Michael Olunga had given Kenya a 62nd minute lead when he headed home a freekick from Amos Nondi.
With today’s result, Uganda are on nine points, four behind leaders Mali who have picked a 3-0 win over Rwanda with only one match left and this means Mali have progressed to the final phase of qualification whilst Uganda will have to wait for the next World Cup qualifiers.
The teams will wrap up their world cup qualification campaign in the coming days, with second placed Uganda visiting Mali in Agadir (Morocco) on Sunday 14 November, before Kenya host Rwanda in Nairobi the following day.
HOW THEY LINED-UP
- UGANDA: Lukwago, Aucho, Awani (Kizza 79’), Bay, Bobosi (Okello 70’), Iguma, Kayondo (Orit 46’), Mugabi, Mukwala (Karisa 46’), Muleme, Waiswa (Sentamu 63’)
- KENYA: Bwire, Abdallah, Akumu, Muguna, Nondi, Ochieng, Okumu, M. Olunga, Omar, S. Onyango (Ouma 73’), Wambani (Tera 61’ [M.Mohammed 90+3’])
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AROUND THE SPORTING WORLD ⤵️
- Vipers SC Add Congolese Experience to Defensive Unit
The latest addition comes just days after Vipers appointed experienced French coach Denis Lavagne on a two-year contract. - Boni Consili Exact Revenge on St. Noa to Reach USSSA Final
The victory carried special significance for Boni Consili. It served as sweet revenge against the very side that ended their title hopes in the previous edition of the championship. - KCCA Drops Co-Coach Experiment, Entrusts Ssenyondo with Top Job
The club’s latest decision effectively places Ssenyondo firmly at the helm, granting him full responsibility for the team’s footballing direction. - Vipers SC Land Joel Sserunjogi as First Signing of New Transfer Window
Sserunjogi joins Vipers as a free agent following the expiration of his three-year contract with Uganda Premier League rivals KCCA FC - NAM BLazers Demand Clarity on BAL Qualification as NBL Playoff Delays Raise Fresh Concerns
In response to the concerns raised, FUBA Vice President and General Secretary Hudson Ssegamwenge acknowledged receipt of the club’s letter and assured the Blazers that the federation is fully aware of the challenges facing the league.
