Chan 2024 qualifiers (Cecafa zone):
- First Leg: Burundi 0-1 Uganda
Uganda Cranes edged a hard-fighting Burundi 1-0 in the Cecafa zone qualifiers for Chan 2024 tournament played at Hamz stadium (Nakivubo war memorial grounds) in Kampala on Thursday, 26th December 2024.
Forward Isaac Ogwang was on target for the all-important strike before a sizeable crowd.
Ogwang, who features at Uganda Police football club beat goalkeeper Dieudonne Ntibahezwa with a low drive in the 35th minute off an acute angle.
Uganda had an impressive start but failed to break the resilience of the well disciplined Burundian team.
The first threat for the Burundians was as early as the 8th minute when Uganda’s captain Allan Okello shot off target following Ogwang’s well brushed ball.
Two minutes later, Okello chipped for the largely industrious Jude Ssemugabi who raced to the ball but in the process, the Kitara forward fouled goalkeeper Ntibahezwa.
On the quarter hour mark, KCCA left footed forward Shafik Kwikiriza linked up with Okello before the latter shot with the weaker right foot; but the referee had signaled for off-side.
Burundi survived conceding when Olivier Dushime cleared off the line from a Ssemugabi shot.
Kevin Icoyitungiye free-kick towards the Uganda Cranes goal was too weak to cause any harm as the hosts on the evening had their first real attempt in 20 minutes.
Uganda Cranes defender Rogers Torach Ochaki recovered swiftly with an injury to soldier on after a knock.
Burundi won a free-kick 40 yards from Uganda’s goal after Shabani Kagayo was fouled by Hilary Mukundane but the resultant kick was curled over by Destin Maniriho on the half hour mark.
Ogwang broke the deadlock with a great strike inside the goal area to ignite delight for the home team in the 35th minute.
Towards the end of the opening stanza, Uganda Cranes holding midfielder Paul Patrick Mbowa closed down Gloire Ngongo Tambwe inside the Burundian half as the visitors led 1-0 by the mandatory half time break.
In the second half, there was intent for the two sides to score with a couple of changes for either team.
Shabani Kagayo was denied by Ssemugabi in the 49th minute as Burundi commenced stronger.
Moments later, Okello intended pass for Saidi Mayanja was thwarted by Burundi right back Kevin Icoyitungiye before Uganda’s right back Gavin Kizito defended well against Darcy Nshimirimana.
Two minutes past the hour mark, Burundi’s Amissi Asmani shot over the goal following Prince Michel Musore’s corner kick.
Burundi called for their first change of the game in the 68th minute when Karim Kamana replaced Glorie Ngongo Tambwe.
Uganda had a double change with 20 minutes left on the clock when Abdul Karim Watambala and Hakim Kiwanuka were introduced for Saidi Mayanja and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza respectively.
To push more number upfront; Burundi also called for a double substitution; with Issa Hubert Nsabimana taking Destin Maniriho’s place as Abdi Ineza was introduced for Darcy Nsihimirimana.
In the 77th minute; Burundi’s goalkeeper Ntibahezwa reacted swiftly off the line to clear Allan Okello’s through ball intended for Hakim Kiwanuka as Uganda sought for goal number two.
Okello shot over after Ssemugabi’s assist before Burundi’s final change on the evening; Arteta Ndikumana taking over Shabani Kagayo.
A minute later, Uganda’s goal scorer Ogwang got rested for URA forward Ivan Ahimibisibwe.
Ahimibisibwe was denied by the goalkeeper late in the game in a one against one situation.
Uganda held on to win the first leg ahead of the return on Sunday, 29th December 2024 at the same venue.
Team Line Ups:
Burundi XI: Dieudonne Ntibahezwa (G.K), Nicolas Iragi Kenyamukenge, Kevin Icoyitungiye, Amissi Asmani (Captain), Darcy Nsihimirimana, Destin Maniriho, Shabani Kagayo, Keita Bukuru, Olivier Dushime, Prince Michel Musore, Gloire Ngono Tambwe
Changes:
68’ Karim Kamana On, Gloire Ngono Tambwe Out
72’ Issa Hubert Nsabimana On, Destin Maniriho Out
72’ Abdi Ineza On, Darcy Nsihimirimana Out
82’ Arteta Ndikumana On, Shabani Kagayo Out
Subs Not Used: Daniel Hakizimana (G.K), Abdoul Manirakoze, Yakubu Uwimana
Head coach: Jimmy Ndayizeye (Burundi)
Uganda Cranes XI: Joel Mutakubwa (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugerwi, Derrick Ndahiro, Rogers Ochaki Torach, Hilary Panuel Mukundane, Paul Patrick Mbowa, Saidi Mayanja, Allan Okello (Captain), Jude Ssemugabi, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Isaac Ogwang
Changes:
70’ Abdul Karim Watambala ON, Saidi Mayanja Out
70’ Hakim Kiwanuka ON, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza Out
83’ Ivan Ahimibisibwe ON, Isaac Ogwang out
Subs Not Used: Mutwalibi Mugolofa (G.K), Moses Aliro Okabo, Milton Karisa, Enock Walusimbi
Head coach: Joseph Paul Put (Belgium)
Match officials:
- Referee: Anthony Emmanuel Kiri Daud (South Sudan)
- Assistant Referee 1: Gasim Madir Dehiya (South Sudan)
- Assistant Referee 2: Nelson Jacob Baeina Kijo (South Sudan)
- Fourth official: Solomon Okwera Luno Lokudo (South Sudan)
- Commissioner: Michel Gasingwa (Rwanda)
The post Ogwang on target as Uganda Cranes edge Burundi in Chan 2024 qualifiers appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
