Uganda Cranes have have reclaimed the top spot in Group D of the 2017 African Cup of Nations after overcoming Botswana 2-1 away at the Francistown Stadium on Saturday evening.
Cranes grabbed the victory through William Kizito and Khalid Aucho while Onkebetse Makgantai consoled the Cosafa country whose hopes are now all but dead.
First half.
Micho’s match day formation looked defensive on paper Mawejje, Aucho and Hassan Waswa all starting in the mid pack but the presentation on pitch was the opposite. The visitors caused a first minute scare to the Zebras Ochaya disarmed a speedy Kabelo from his left back zone then quickly interchanged with Aucho who linked Massa only for the captain to cross with the flag.
Ochaya drifted another clever freekick near the right corner just after two minutes but Tabele Sosome intercepted before Massa could get inside the six yards
Massa nearly grabbed his first away goal in the qualifiers with a stunning freekick in the 23rd minute which Kabelo seemed to have tipped off for a corner but the referee called for a goal kick.
The goals
Portugal based professional winger William Luwagga Kizito grabbed a beautiful opener just in the tenth minute after settling down a well calculated cross from Tony Mawejje before rounding off Kabelo and calmly tapped in.
Zebras coach Butler made a quick change at the restart of the second half bringing in Onkebetse Makngatai. The change brought half life to the hosts when Onkebetse sent in the 51st minute raising questions whether he was on or offside.
However, the debate was settled a minute later, Iguma picking out Khalid Aucho who controlled with his left foot and tapped in with the same leg on the bounce to restore Cranes lead.
Uganda now moves to top with ten points awaiting result between Comoros and Burkina Faso in Moroni on Sunday. They host Comoros in the final tie in September at Namboole.
Botswana Starting XI: Kabelo Dambe, Boitumelo Mafoko, Tebogo Sosome, Tapiwa Gadibolae, Lebogang Disele, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Gabelagbwe Moyana , Ofentse Nato, Mogakolodi Ngele, Joel Mogorossi, Lesenya Ramoroka.
Sub’s: Robert Mosimaregape, Thebang Sesinyi, Lemponye Tshiteletso, Olekante Mambo, Lesogo Galenamothale, Makgantai Onkabetae, That Kebue.
Uganda XI: Dennis Onyango, Dennis IGuma, Joseph Ochaya, Murshid Jjuko, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Luwagga Kizito, Khalid Aucho, Geoffrey Massa, Farouk Miya, and Tonny Mawejje.
Subs:
Robert Odongkara (G.K), Yassar Mugerwa, , Davis Kasirye, Edrisa Lubega, Erisa Ssekisambu, Emmanuel Okwi and Godfrey Walusimbi
Match officials (S.Africa) Referee : Victor Miguel De Freitas Gomes
1st assistant : Zakhele Thusi Siwela
2nd assistant : Mothibidi Stevens Khumalo
Fourth official: Kulasande Qongqo