Kampala — Results

Eritrea 2-2 Uganda

Kenya 1-0 Tanzania

The national soccer team - the Cranes put up a determined performance to snatch a vital 2-2 draw with Eritrea's Red Sea Boys in the first leg of the inaugural African Nations Championship tie in Asmara.

Kampala City Council FC striker Anthony Bongole powered the Cranes into an early first half lead after a superb combination with striking partner Caeser Okuthi.

The home side leveled matters moments later for the first half to end one-all.

The Cranes exhibited an attacking game that often caught the Red Sea Boys defence napping. Laszlo Csaba's charges soon won a penalty when Victors FC star Simon Sserunkuma was brought down in the box.

Team captain Simon Masaba stepped forward to convert a beautiful spot kick to put the Cranes ahead for the second time.

SC Villa midfielder Stephen Bengo missed a clear cut chance moments later that would have put the score beyond reach.

The Cranes were to rue the missed chance as they conceded an equalizer in stoppage time. The result will have pleased Csaba who said his main aim was to avoid defeat.

"I understand conditions (hot and humid) in Eritrea are not in our favour, but we shall fight hard to register a win or draw," Csaba said before the team's departure.

The two sides will face off in the return leg in a fortnight with the Cranes hoping for victory will give it a right to face the winner between Kenya and Tanzania.

Kenya meanwhile beat Tanzania 1-0 to save coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee's job

The African Nations Championship is strictly for players who feature in their local leagues.

The finals of the tournament inaugurated by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) will take place next year in Ivory Coast.

Cranes line up: Sam Kawalya, Julius Mulindwa, Lawrence Ssegawa, Joseph Owino, Doka Mus, Simon Masaba, Dan Wagaluka, Owen Kasule, Caesar Okhuti, Anthony Bongole (Steven Bengo), Ronald Muganga (Simon Sserunkuuma),