By Steven Kagiri,

Hosts Madagascar edged out visiting Uganda Cranes 2-1 in the first leg of the 2015 African Nations Cup second round qualifer at the Rabermanjara Stadium.

Madagascar broke the deadlock in the 12th minute from the penalty spot when referee Victor Gomes awarded a penalty for a foul on Fabrice Angio Rakotondribe.

Winger Njiva Rakotoharimalala doubled the lead with a sweet goal past keeper Ismail Watenga who got the nod ahead of Hamza Muwonge who has been in fine form for his club Thika United.

Uganda Cranes huffed and puffed as they ran looking for the elusive goals and deep into  the game with only three minutes left the referee awarded Cranes a lifeline with another penalty which was expertly converted by striker Hamisi Kiiza to give Cranes the vital away goal needing a 1-0 win in the return leg in a fortnight to go through.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com