By James Robert Kayindi
Uganda Cranes held The Black Stars of Ghana to a 1-1 draw in the group E game played at Baba Yara stadium, Kumasi on Saturday evening. Cranes took the lead through holding midfielder and Iceland based player Tonny Mawejje before Ghana equalized through Andre Ayew at a penalty spot.
As a home team with high profile players, Ghana started strong and brightly with Majeed Waris forcing a good foot save from Denis Onyango as early as the fifth minute of the game when he headed on target following Asamoah Gyan’s cross from the right flank.
As the “Black Stars” continued to torment Micho’s boys, Savio Kabugo got booked in the 19th minute of the game for a deliberate handball at the edge of the 18 yard box but Gyan’s shot from the resultant free kick was well saved by goalie, Denis Onyango. Shortly after the free kick, Marseille based player, Andrew Dedde Ayew dribbled past almost the entire defence and hit a low shot that was comfortably saved by Onyango.
Uganda’s first chance in the game to test Fatau Daudah in Ghana’s goal came after 30 minutes but Tonny Mawejje shot wide from Luwagga Kizito’s good pass. In the 39th minute, Luwagga had a chance but shot wide thanks to pressure from Mensah. Three minutes after, Asamoah Gyan missed a great opportunity to put Ghana in the lead at 42nd minute when his low close range shot was saved by Onyango.
Frustrated faces were seen on Ghana’s side as the Cranes broke into joy at the end of the first half when Tonny Mawejje gave Uganda the lead in the 45th minute. The Iceland based midfielder exquisitely controlled Luwagga’s cross before brilliantly turning on the edge of the box to send a low shot which beat Fatau Daudah and hit the back of the net.
Five minutes into second half, the Black Stars put the game to level after Tunisian referee awarded a controversial penalty to Ghana after he judged Denis Iguma to have fouled Majeed Waris. Andre Ayew sent Oyango in an opposite direction from 12 yards at the penalty spot. Brian Umony almost restored Uganda’s lead when his shot hit the base of the post after beating Fatau Daudah.
Kwesi Appiah made a double substitution when he brought on Mubarak Wakaso and Afriyie Acquah and later Jordan Ayew as his counterpart Mulitin ‘Micho’Sredojevic responded by bringing on Robert Ssentongo for Brian Umony and later Hamis Kiiza for Moses Oloya. Both sides continued to push one another in hope to get a winner but all was in vain.
The result means Guinea who beat Togo 2-1 on Friday now lead Group E on three points while Uganda and Ghana follow on one point with Togo at the bottom with zero points. Uganda’s next game is on Wednesday, September 10th at Namboole stadium at 7:30pm.
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