Uganda Cranes has bowed out of the on-going CHAN finals in Rwanda after a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe Warriors this Wednesday evening.
Uganda needed to beat Zimbabwe and hope that Mali would lose to Zambia to progress from the group stages. Unfortunately none of that happened as Zambia and Mali played to a goal-less draw, meaning that they qualify for the quarter finals.
Uganda bow out with just two points and no victory, after a draw with Mali and a loss to Zambia. This has been Uganda’s third appearance at the CHAN finals after the tournaments in Sudan and South Africa in 2011 and 2014 respectively.
Lweza F.C striker, Geofrey Sserunkuma scored late in the game to equalise William Manondo’s opener in the 48th minute, in the group D match played at the Umuganda stadium in Rubavu, Rwanda.
The game witnessed the Uganda Cranes’ skipper, Faruku Miya return to action after that shoulder injury against Mali.
Miya had a chance at goal with a greatly curled a free kick saved by goal keeper, Tatenda Marshal in the first half.
The technical bench replaced central defender, Richard Kasagga for striker Samson Ceasar Okhuti.
Later, goal hero Geofrey Sserunkuma and Edrisa Lubega came in for Muleme and Ssekisambu respectively.
The draw is not enough for Uganda to progress to the knock out stages.
However, Zambia and Mali progress to the last eight stage after finishing with 7 and 5 points respectively.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda XI:
James Alitho (G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Isaac Muleme, Bernard Muwanga, Richard Kasagga Jjuuko, Ivan Ntege, Kezironi Kizito, Timothy Dennis Awany, Erisa Ssekisambu, Faruku Miya, Joseph Benson Ochaya
Changes:
58’ Richard Jjuuko Kasaga – Out, Samson Ceasar Okhuti – In
70’ Isaac Muleme – Out, Geofrey Sserunkuma – In
78’ Erisa Ssekisambu – Out, Edrisa Lubega – In
Subs Not Used:
Mathias Kigonya (G.K), Denis Okot Oola, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Hassan Wasswa Dazo, Robert Sentongo, Ambrose Kirya, Martin Kizza, Frank Kalanda
Sourced from www.fufa.co.ug