Uganda’s U23 national football team, The Kobs, have only managed a late goal from a spot kick against underated South Sudan in the AFCON U23 preliminary qualifiers game held at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala.
Kobs had plotted for resounding win at home in order to ease their return leg in Juba on November 20, but have been shocked when Uganda’s Northern neighbours proved a hard team to beat.
The Ugandans dominated possession in the first half with several attempts on goal but failed to put the ball in the back of the net and have missed several chances which would have put them in a driving seat in first half.
In the 15th minute, Mustafa Kizza failed to convert Uganda’s free kick when he took it inches over the bar before Steven Mukwala pulling off South Sudanese defenders and goal keeper and failed to tap the ball in the 20th minute.
In the second half, the visitors piled more pressure for an away goal but Kobs tactician made spot on substitutions including Ssemujju Joseph who came in for Mustafa Mujuzi in the 58th minute.
The changes made puts South Sudan’s defence on further pressure prompting them to foul in the 18 yards box, availing Kobs a spot kick which was converted by Mustafa Kizza in the second minute of the added time.
The unconvincing with only denotes that Kobs have a lot to do of they are to seal a place in next year’s U23 tournament since statistics indicate that Uganda has always commanded a bigger defeat against South Sudan.
Two months ago, Uganda’s U17 side , Cubs, thrashed South Sudan 6-1 in the CECAFA championships played in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Earlier, Uganda’s Hippos humbled South Sudan 8-1 on aggregate in the the Caf U-20 qualifiers including a 5-1 first leg game in Kampala.
Uganda’s Starting XI
Saidi Keni (GK), Geoffrey Wasswa, Mustafa Mujuzi (c) , Mustafa Kizza, Bashir Asiku, Lawrence Bukenya, Julius Poloto, Shafiq Kuchi Kagimu, Stephen Dese Mukwala, Allan Okello and Joel Madondo.
