By James Robert Kayindi
Yesterday was a heartbreaking day as the Uganda Cranes lost to Guinea by 2-0 in Complexe Mohammed, Casablanca Morocco in an almost empty stadium. While many thought this was the moment to end Uganda’s 36years of waiting to qualify for the Africa cup of nations finals, Guinea didn’t find it had to extend the ghost contract to 37years as we will have to wait for the 2017 Africa cup of nations.
After 20 minutes of tormenting Isaac Isinde on the right flank, the industrious and left footed winger, Ibrahim Traore gave Guinea a first half lead in the 23rd minute when he slotted home his well taken free-kick leaving Cranes’ goalie Denis Masinde Onyango totally beaten not moving even an inch from where he was standing.
Uganda conceded a free kick after Cranes’ team skipper, Andrew Mwesgiwa fouled at the edge of the box. Having conceded, defensive Uganda Cranes opened up the game and mounted several attacks on the hosts winning four corners in the process before the Senegalese referee, Malang Diedhiou sent them to recess.
The second half started with a competitive contest as the Cranes looked for an equalizer while the hosts were equally eager to extend their lead. It wasn’t long into second half when Guinea striker Seydouba hit the cross bar with a well taken shot from about 35yards before salt was added to the wound on the side of the Cranes when team Captain Andy Mwesigwa received matching orders from the referee for dragging down Guinea’s Idrissa Sylla in the area, leaving no choice with the referee but to point at the penalty spot.
At the hour mark, Guinea’s Seydouba beat Mamelodi Sun Downs goalkeeper, Denis Onyango when he slotted his spot kick in the back of the net to make it 2-0 in favour of the hosts.
Disappointed Cranes head coach Micho didn’t lose hope as he went ahead to make his last two substitutions when he brought on Robert Ssentongo for William Kizito Luwagga and Michael Sserumaga for Brian Majwega.
However all these efforts proved fruitless as Uganda failed to even get a consolation by the time of the final whistle to end the game 2-0 at the expense of the Uganda Cranes.
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com