Saturday, August 12
Uganda 3-0 Rwanda
It was a perfect start for the Uganda Cranes, picking a convincing victory against Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars in the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) game played at a fully-packed St. Marys stadium, Kitende.
A goal from Derrick Nsibambi and a brace from Muzamir Mutyaba gave Uganda a 3-goal cushion before the second leg next week in Kigali.
Speaking after the game in a short press briefing, Moses Basena thanked everyone’s efforts towards the victory achieved.
“We have been lucky to get this result but this win is like a halftime lead, because we have to play a second half in Kigali,” Basena said.
“It was a game where we should have scored more three goals, but let’s go with that.”
Amavubi Star’s Coach, Antoine Hey criticized the game’s referee, saying: “I would like to congratulate Uganda for their win; I can’t blame my players for such a defeat. I think Ugandans were organized but on the other note, the Referee was not on our side too.”
How the drama unfolded
In what started as a cruel fight from the visitors, the Cranes players managed to remain composed and their efforts were awarded in the 14th minute when Referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana pointed to the spot following a challenge on Derrick Nsibambi.
Amid protest of the Referee’s decision from the Amavubi Stars, Muzamir Mutyaba calmly converted his kick far right of the goalkeeper to give Uganda a deserved lead.
Mutyaba would have doubled the lead for the Cranes minutes later, but his shot was kept for the corner by Rwandese Goalkeeper, Nzarora.
Minutes later, a beautiful one-on-one coordination between Karisa and Mutyaba yielded the second goal for the hosts, with the latter slotting in a powerful shot.
Uganda had a penalty appeal denied when Nsibambi was brought down in the 18-yard box.
The best chance for the visitors fell to Bernard Mumbubyi, following a free-kick into Uganda’s half but his header went off the target as the Cranes took a 2-0 lead at the break.
Back in the second half, Derrick Nsibambi got the third for the Cranes when he picked a loose ball at the edge of the area to slot a powerful curling shot home.
Mutyaba got close to getting his hat-trick when he drove his shot over the bar, missing an empty net.
Kariisa, Mucureezi and Kagimu combined for a counter-attack but Kagimu’s shot went an inch wide off the goal’s post.
Rwanda had near-misses, Emma immanishimwe came close to finding the consolalation for the Amavubi stars but Watenga punched his shot for a side net.
Djihad Bizimana had a long range shot directly into Ismael Watenga’s safe hands.
The two sides meet next week for the return leg in Kigali and the winner on aggregate will qualify for the final tournament slated for January, next year in Nairobi.
Uganda
Ismail Watenga (GK), Nico Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Paul Musamali, Savio Kabugo, Bernard Muwanga, Moses Waiswa, Muzamir Mutyaba, Shafiq Kagimu, Milton Karisa and Derrick Nsibambi.
Subs (Uganda)
Benjamin Ochan, Rashid Toha, Deus Bukenya, Muhammad Shaban, Paul Mucureezi,Tom Masiko, Erisa Ssekisambu
Coach: Moses Basena
Rwanda
Marcel Nzarora (GK), Djihad Bizimana, Aimable Bukongoza Thierry Manzi, Aimable sabimana Aimable Emma Imanishimwe, Eric Iradukunda, Olivier Niyonzima, Mukunzi Yannabe, Barnabe Mubumbyi and Savio Nshuti Dominique.
Subs (Rwanda)
Yve Kimennyi (GK), Soter Kayumba, Latif Bishira, Marie Muvandimwe J, Kevin Muhire, Abbeddy Biramahire, Amran Nshimiyimana.
Coach: Antoine Hey
Match Officials
Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana
Assistants: Gustave Baguma and Willy Habimana
Commissioner: Yusuf Mohamed Abubaker