By James Robert Kayindi
Holding midfielder Tonny Mawejje scored the only goal of the game to earn Uganda Cranes a very vital away victory in the 2017 AFCON qualifiers yesterday evening at the Mitsamiouli Stadium in Comoros.
The Iceland based midfielder who features for Thróttur Reykjavík scored 4 minutes to the half-hour mark to put Uganda in the lead at half-time. Mawejje was playing his first game of the campaign having missed the Cranes’ home tie against Botswana which Uganda comfortably won 2-0.
In the second half, first choice goalkeeper, Denis Masinde Onyango stole the show when he saved a penalty to maintain the Cranes’ lead.
The goal was Mawejje’s first since scoring against Ghana during a one-all draw with Uganda on 6th September, 2014 at Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers.
In the changes made by coach Micho, Ivan Ntege came on for Brian Umony in the first substitution while Joseph Ochaya paved way for Farouk Miya before Yunus Sentamu came on for William Luwagga Kizito.
In a fairly competitive game, Uganda did well to defend their 1-0 lead that eventually became the match winner to move top of Group D with 6points and 3goals after two games of the qualification campaign.
In the second game of group D, home side Botswana beat Burkina Faso 1-0.
Cranes Starting XI: Denis Onyango (GK), Denis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Jjuuko, Khalid Aucho, Tonny Mawejje, William Luwagga Kizito, Farouk Miya, Brian Umony and Geoffrey Massa (Captain)
Subs: Robert Odongkara (GK), Yassar Mugerwa, Ivan Ntege, Joseph Ochaya, Muzamir Mutyaba, Richard Kasagga and Yunus Sentamu.
Comoros Starting XI: Salim Ben Boina (GK), Chaker Alhadhur, Salim Mramboini, Rachid Ibrahim, Ali M’madi, Mchangama Youssouf, Kassima Ahamada, Kombo Ahamadi, Youssouf Mohamed ou Maelé, Chamed Nasser, Nadjim Abdou (C)
Subs: Djamaldine, Nakim Youssoufa, Ahmed Mogni, Mchangama Mohamed, Velonjara Salim, Faouz Faidine Yacin Saandi
Group D log:
Uganda 6points
Burkina Faso 3points
Botswana 3points
Comoros 0points
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com