Thursday, 12th November 2020
*Uganda Cranes 1-0 South Sudan
(St Mary’s stadium, Kitende)
Uganda Cranes needed a Halid Lwaliwa header to overcome minnows South Sudan in the 2021 AFCON Qualifier Group B encounter at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Halid Lwaliwa, off the bench to replace injured Ronald Mukiibi, marked his debut with an important goal to celebrate his senior team debut in style and at a familiar ground.
The Vipers centre back rose in the air to brush off a well weighed Farouk Miya free kick, as the Cranes got a hero from an unlikely source in the 86th minute.
The visiting Bright Stars had frustrated Uganda Cranes who struggled to get things going right from the word go, before Lwaliwa spared Jonathan McKinstry brushes.
Cranes Scrap Through
The Cranes, pre-match favourites, failed to live as advertised while playing at an astro-turf and behind closed doors at Kitende.
Right back Elvis Bwomono, fancied ahead of Nicholas Wadada, failed to get things going in what was his frustrating debut.
Okwi and Nsibambi were starved of possession upfront, the defence failed to build from the back while the midfield struggled to knit at least two passes.
Cranes best chance came late in the game when Miya was denied by the low post, while Ochaya’s cross in the first half eluded Derrick Nsibambi.
Miya’s free-kick was kept out by the keeper, and Okello almost made an impact but was denied by the keeper.
Read Also:Ochaya To Miss South Sudan Return Leg In Kenya
Tito Okello Leads South Sudan Charges
South Sudan were greatly inspired by Tito Okello and Makueth Wol who were facing familiar faces having played in the Uganda Premier League for while.
Tito played relentlessly as he troubled the Cranes from all corners.
The Visitors called out Onyango twice in the opening minutes, with Makueth failing a keeper-to-beat.
South Sudan remain without a point in the group but today’s performance will provide them with some renewed hope for future games.
What Next?
The Cranes strengthen their grip on top as they move to seven points and will target maximum points when the sides meet again on Monday in Kenya.
