A goal by Geoffrey Sserunkuma was enough for Uganda to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Cape Verde in their 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier match played away in Praia City on Sunday.
Cranes got off to a good start and had an opportunity to open the scoring in the 17th minute when Emmanuel Okwi beat his markers before setting up Derrick Nsimbabi, who fired his shot wide of the target.
Cape Verde opportunity came in the 33rd minute when Jukio Tarvez fired a shot outside the penalty area but Onyango was in the right position to collect the ball.
Meanwhile, Cranes struggled to break down the Sharks defence as they failed to carve out any real chances in the final third.
In the opening 45 minutes of the match, the scoreline remained 0-0 as they went into the half-time interval.
However, in the second half, Cape Verde looked a more livelier side and came close to levelling matters with Carlos Ponk and Garry Rodriguez.
Sharks went close to finding an equalising goal in the 70th minute but Suarez saw his volleyed effort blazed into the side netting from 25-yards out.
It was in 83rd minute when second half subsitute Geoffrey Sserunkuma slotted the winner from a move started from the middle with Miya passing back to Aucho who released Nsibambi on the left to lay in a strong cross for Serunkuma to tap an empty net.
Cape Verde once again came close to levelling matters in the 90th minute but Onyango produced a fine save to deny Carlos Ponk’s volleyed attempt from close range.
However, Uganda managed to hold onto their 1-0 lead over Cape Verde until the final whistle to secure the victory
Uganda XI: Denis Onyango (GK) (C), Nicholas Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Bernard Muwanga, Murushid Jjuuko, Hassan Wasswa, Khalid Aucho, Faruku Miya, Emmanuel Okwi, Derrick Nsibambi and Isaac Muleme
Subs: Benjamin Ochan (GK), Isma Watenga (GK), Denis Okot, Timothy Awany, Robert Kaketo, Milton Karisa, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Muhammad Shaban
Cape Verde XI: Vozinha (GK), Vally, Gege, Carlitos, Tiago Almeida, Marco Suarez, Jamiro Monteiro, Carlos Ponck, Garry Rodriguez, Julio Tavarez, Ze Lui
