Wednesday, December 11
Burundi 1-2 Djibouti
Eritrea 0-2 Uganda
Uganda Cranes beat Eritrea 2-0 to reach the 2019 CECAFA Senior challenge cup at StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo.
The victory is the third from as many for Jonathan Mckinstry’s troops who join Kenya Harambee Stars in the semis.
Nicholas Kasozi scored the opener in the 58th minute, breaking Eritrea’s resistance when keeper Kibrom Solomun fumbled with the long range shot before it protruded in between his legs.
Mustafa Kizza got the second for the Cranes from the spot, sending Kibrom the wrong way with 10 minutes adrift of full time. Eritrean defender had handled the ball in the area, to block Mustafa’s freekick.
Eritrea, who beat Burundi 1-0, put up a commendable performance despite failing to finish their chances; Robel Kidane shot direct at Joel Mutakubwa Mutakubwa before the shot stopper denied captain Robel Teklemichael.
Mckinstry made seven changes from the team that beat Djibouti, and the Cranes struggled throughout against a tricky side.
Ben Ocen was at the end of fans criticism as the Police attacker failed to deliver on various occasions.
Forward Steven Mukwala raced on Mustafa Mujuzi’s through ball but the striker fired an inch wide.
Watambala beat Abel Okbay Solomon but fired wide before his through ball was also shot into the side-net by Ocen.
Kasozi also had a back-heel find its way over the bar while Joachim Ojera had a big chance inside the box when he collected from Mustafa but shot far and wide.
Uganda return to action against Djibouti on Sunday while Eritrea face Djibouti on Friday and Somalia on Sunday.
Team line ups
Eritrea XI:
Kibrom Solomun, Deyben Hintsaeb, Robel Teklemicheal, Ali Suleiman Ibrahim, Sayas Abreham Goytom, Ablelom Teklezghi, Abel Okbay Solomon, Filmon Tumzghi, Michael Habte, Robel Kidane, Filmon Semere
Uganda XI:
Joel Mutakubwa, Musitafa Mujuzi, Mustafa Kizza, Halid Lwaliwa, Paul Mbowa, Nicolas Kasozi, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Karim Watambala, Ben Ocen, Steven Mukwala, and Viane Sekajugo
Subs – Charles Lukwago, Paul Willa, John Revita, Shafiq Kagimu, Bright Anukani, Allan Okello, Joachim Ojera, Fahad Bayo, Joel Madondo.
Group A Table standings:
Uganda – 9 pts
Djibouti – 4
Eritrea – 3
Somalia – 1
Burundi – 0
