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.