Uganda Cranes put up a below-par performance as they lost 1-0 to neighbors Tanzania in the first of a doubleheader in the qualifiers of the Africa Cup of Nations, on Friday.
Simon Msuva netted for the Taifa Stars at the Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia in Egypt to hand the Cranes their second defeat in three matches.
Despite a bright start to the game, with notable urgency from both teams, there wasn’t a whole lot to report for over 27 minutes.
However, Uganda Cranes nearly stung first in the 28th minute, but Joseph Ochaya miscued his effort following good play from both Kenneth Semakula and Fahad Bayo.
Even then, it’s the Taifa Stars that had the best chance of the half as Novastus Dismas had his freekick sting the post with three minutes to the break.
After a slow and scrappy start by either team to the second half, it’s the Tanzanians that netted the day’s only goal through a Msuva strike.
As Tanzania have ascended to second in Group F with four points, Uganda has stayed put at the bottom with just one point, ahead of their next meeting on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam.
How Uganda Cranes lined up
Salim Jamal (GK), Kenneth Semakula, Livingstone Mulondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Aziz Kayondo, Siraje Ssentamu, Khalid Aucho, Farouk Miya, Joseph Ochaya, Emmanuel Okwi(C), Fahad Bayo.
Substitutes: Charles Lukwago, Nathian Alionzi, Steven Sserwada, James Begisa, Timothy Awany, Allan Okello, Rogers Mugisha, Rogers Mato, Rogers Torach, Ismael Mugulusi, Travis Mutyaba.
Photo Credit: FUFA Media
