Defender Halid Lwaliwa’s later header, wins 3 points for the Cranes

Defender Halid Lwaliwa’s later header, wins 3 points for the Cranes

The cranes today faced the Bright Stars of South Sudan in match day 3 of the Afcon qualifiers. Uganda came to this game as group leaders with 4 points while South Sudan still had no point from its past two games.

Unlike in recent times, the cranes game was played at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende not the usual Namboole as many fans would expect.

The first half ended 0-0 with the cranes looking blunt. Ugandans had to wait till the 85th minute when substitute Halid Lwalila headed in the only goal of the day thanks to a well swung free kick from Farouk Miya.

South Sudan had no clear opportunity in the game that could threaten the cranes defence and Uganda’s keeper Denis Onyango looked to be on holiday in between the sticks.

The win means that Uganda are still table leaders with 7 points while South Sudan still remain at the bottom of the table.

Uganda will reface South Sudan in the next four days from now in Nairobi. Cranes may miss the services of Ronald Mukiibi who limped out in the 2nd half due to a muscle strain.