Uganda Cranes are closer like never before to a dream return to Africa Cup of Nations in 38 solid years after a hard fought 2-1 triumph away to Botswana at Francistown Stadium on Saturday.
Goals from Luwagga Kizito and Khalid Aucho were enough to send the visitors top of group “D” with ten points and put them in pole position to run away with the group with just one round of the qualifiers pending in September.
Cranes knew what they needed to do to secure their dreams and from the onset they didn’t sit back, instead they took the game to the Zebras.
Sensational Tony Mawejje picked Luwagga with along pass from the midfield which the striker superbly controlled with his right foot before beating Botswana keeper and tapping into an open net for the opener in the 9th minute.
The Zebra’s chances in the half mostly came from the set pieces with Tsotso Ngele testing Uganda keeper Dennis Onyango who appeared cool and collected throughout the game.
The hosts were however rewarded in the second half through Onkabetsi Makgantai who scored in the 51st minute from what appeared to be an offside goal. Cranes did not deflate as they doubled their efforts in hunt for a winner – which came three minutes later.
It was another long pass, this time from Dennis Iguma picked Khalid Aucho inside the box, and the Gor Mahia midfielder did not hesitate to put it at the back of the net after overpowering his marker and firing with his favored left foot.
Uganda now have one leg in the 2017 showpiece to be held in Gabon, as they head to the last round of Qualifiers in September, when they will host minnows Comoros at the Namboole fortress.
In another group “D” match, Burkina Faso with seven points with travel to Comoros.
@bonfaceosano
