Group C
• Uganda Cranes 1-2 Togo
• Morocco 0-0 Rwanda
A Patrick Mbowa own goal and Richard Nane wonder strike sunk Uganda Cranes hopes of making it out of the 2021 Total CHAN tournament group stages after a 1-2 defeat to Togo in the second group C game on Friday night.
URA midfielder Saidi Kyeyune had restored some hope for the Cranes before his quick second half equalizer was turned into a mere consolation at Stade de la Reunification in Douala, Cameroon.
Johnathan McKinstry made four changes from the team that started against Rwanda on Monday with Tony Mawejje, Ibrahim Orit, Muhammad Shaban and Denis Iguma all starting.
The Cranes had a fairly promising start to the game when left back Aziz Kayondo’s shot was deflected for a corner.
Also, the Togolese had a goal cancelled for an offside while defender Mbowa made a priceless clearance off the line to keep the game grounded as the first stanza ended goalless.
In the 48th minute, Togo drew first blood in the game when a corner kick met Nane who flicked it over Uganda’s defense before Mbowa netted in his own net under pressure.
Togo’s celebrations were however, cut short by midfielder Saidi Kyeyune who needed only six minutes after coming on as Tony Mawejje’s replacement.
Kyeyune sent a powerful scorcher from over 45 yards that beat Togo’s goalkeeper for an equalizer following an exquisite inter-play with fellow midfielder Shafik Kuchi Kagimu.
The Hawks of Togo later restored their lead off an unmarked Nane’s superb strike down the left flank that beat goalkeeper Charles Lukwago, hit the cross bar before settling at the back of the net after 57 minutes.
Despite bringing on Viane Ssekajugo and Brian Aheebwa for Joachim Ojera and Mbowa, the Cranes failed to draw matters level, suffering their first defeat in the tournament.
Uganda Cranes now sunk to the bottom of group C with one point from two games while Togo moved to second with three points.
Earlier on, Uganda’s next opponents Morocco were held to a goalless draw by Rwanda as the former maintained their grip on top with four points, two ahead of the latter.
Uganda Cranes Line-up
Charles Lukwago, Dennis Iguma, Aziz Kayondo, Paul Patrick Mbowa, Musitafa Mujjuzi, Shafik Kagimu, Tonny Mawejje, Bright Anukani, Muhammad Shaban, Ibrahim Orit, Joackim Ojera
Substitutes: Tom Ikara, Brian Aheebwa, Saidi Kyeyune, Vianne Sekajugo, Joel Mutakubwa, Nafian Alionzi, Hassan Mahmoud, Halid Lwaliwa, Eric Senjobe, Paul Willa, Karim Watambala, Bobos Byaruhanga, Ben Ocen
The post CHAN: Cranes on Thin Ice After Togo Defeat first appeared on ChimpReports.