By James Robert Kayindi
Uganda’s chances to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations were brightened yesterday with a historical and heroic 1-0 win over group leaders Ghana in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole.
Central defender Savio Kabugo of Sports Club Victoria University (SCVU) was the hero of the day after he headed home in the 8th minute to give Uganda Cranes an early first half lead of the game which eventually turned out to be the last stroke that broke the “Black Stars’” back at Namboole Stadium.
Kabugo headed from Mike Sserumaga’s corner when he surged above all defenders to hit the back of the net as he restored back the Uganda Cranes to their home winning ways after Togo put a stop to its 10-year home unbeaten record last month on the 11th of October 2014. Midfielder Mike Sserumaga was making a return to the national team after two years of not being summoned for national duty.
The make or break clash between Uganda and Ghana saw head Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic include half-fit AS Vita striker Yunus Sentamu in his starting lineup before he limped off the pitch to be replaced by Gor Mahia’s ‘Muzei’ Daniel Sserunkuma.
Later Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito was brought on in the 65th minute for Mike Sserumaga and lastly URA striker Robert Ssentogo came on for Portugal based William Luwagga Kizito.
Celtic’s Mubarak Wakaso came on for player maker Andre Ayew who plays for Marseille. T.P Mazembe’s Solomon Asante then come on for Afriyie Acquah before David Accam who plays for Sweden’s Helsenborg F.C came on for Everton’s Christian Astu; those were the changes made by Ghana’s care taker coach, Maxwell Konadu.
TEAM LINE UPS:
Cranes XI:
Denis Onyango (GK), Isaac Isinde, Brian Majwega, Andrew Mwesigwa (c), Savio Kabugo, Tonny Mawejje, Mike Sserumaga, Farouk Miya, William Luwagga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa and Yunus Sentamu
Substitutes: Robert Odongkara (GK), Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Daniel Sserunkuma, Habib Kavuma, Martin Kizza and Moses Oloya.
GHANA XI: Razak Braimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman,John Boye, Jonathan Mensah Rabiu Mohammed Christian Atsu, Afriyie Acquah, Majeed Waris Agyemang Badu, Andre Ayew
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