Uganda Cranes are off to a flying start in the 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers with a vital away win against Cape Verde.
An 83rd minute strike from veteran striker Geoffrey Sserunkuma sealed victory for the Cranes, sending the team top of the Group L table. The other two teams in the group Tanzania and Lesotho shared the spoils on Saturday when they played out to a 1-1 draw.
After a 39 year jinx was broken when the Cranes qualified for this year’s Afcon in Gabon, it looks like they are set to return to the big stage in Cameroon because they are playing in the easiest group ever.
The Cape Verde game that was played at Estadio da Varzea was not without its gaffes and it had to be postponed to Sunday because only seven Cranes players had arrived in Cape Verde on match day.
FUFA President Moses Magogo blamed the Cape Verde national airline for the gaffe saying that despite booking two days earlier, they were informed that only seven seats were available. But what baffled the FUFA executives is that the said flight was half full meaning that all Cranes players would have been able to board.
The mix-up however didn’t dampen team spirits and coach Micho’s boys went all out for a win that was delivered by substitute Sserunkuma. The KCCA striker is now 33 years old but he seems to get better with age.
Team captain Dennis Onyango who is billed as the best shot stopper on the continent ensured a clean sheet.
Congratulations.