CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup
Uganda 4-1 Djibouti
StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Sunday, 15-12-2019
LUGOGO – The Uganda Cranes ensured they end the group stage of the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup on a high as they defeated Djibouti 4-1 on Sunday.
Despite once again resting several key players, Johnathan McKinstry’s side looked in control from the on-set and were more than deserved winners in the end.
Muzamir Mutyaba converted from the spot to send Uganda on their way before goals by Joachim Ojera, Ben Ocen and substitute Bright Anukani completed the job.
Harouin Hassan had temporarily made the score 2-1 but his goal only proved to be a temporary set back for the rampant Cranes.
After just 14 minutes, Muhammad Bourhan was judged to have handled a Patrick Mbowa goal-bound effort, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Mutyaba took responsibility and put Uganda 1-0 up.
Ojera then doubled Uganda’s advantage 20 minutes into the second half as he raced onto a long ball before slotting into the back of the net.
Out of literally nothing, Djibouti halved Uganda’s advantage as Haroun slid low to tap-in a Fahmi Moussa’s low cross.
Twelve minutes from time, Ocen would restore Uganda’s two-goal cushion as he finished off substitute Allan Okello’s pass.
There was time for one more goal and it was Anukani who riffled into the back of the net off Ocen’s low cross.
The victory ensures Uganda finish top of Group A with a perfect 12 points from four games.
The finish the group stage having scored 10 goals and conceded just two.
After topping group A, Uganda will now face Tanzania who finished second in Group B, in the semi finals of the competition.
The other game played on Sunday saw Somalia and Eritrea draw 0-0 meaning the latter will face Kenya in the other semi final after finishing second in Group A with 7 points.
How both teams started
Uganda XI
Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Paul Willa, Musitafa Mujuzi, John Revita, Paul Mbowa, Nicolas Kasozi, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Karim Watambala, Joachim Ojera, Joel Madondo, Viane Sekajugo.
Eritrea XI
Innocent Mbonihaukoye (GK), Haroun Mohamed, Fouad Moussa, Abdoulkader Bouhan, Ali Youssouf, Mahdi Houssein, Hamza Abdi, Yabe Siad, Hassan Warsama
