Fred Kaweesi
30 March 2008
Kampala — HOW unfair, how unfortunate!
Just when Cranes thought they had substantially done enough to halt their eight-year run without an away win, a dubious 94th minute effort did not only guarantee a 2-2 draw with Eritrea but also ensured the wait for that elusive away win continues.
The result however puts Uganda in a strong position of progressing in a championship that excludes foreign-based players.
Cranes will need a draw of less that two goals or victory to qualify and play the winner between Kenya and Tanzania in the next stage.
The Africa Championship qualifier in Asmara had also presented Uganda the golden opportunity of registering a winning start in the inaugural tournament.
Cranes worked at their task with the single-mindedness of men who were aware of that, with Anthony Bongole's opening goal a reasonable reward for Caesar Okhuti's deceptive run into the box.
Although the hosts equalised minutes later, coach Laszlo Csaba demanded more commitment, especially with the second half introductions of Steven Bengo and Simon Sserunkuuma.
The substitutions paid off, with Sserunkuuma, earning Cranes' what could have been a match-winning opportunity from the spot, after being felled in the opponent's box.
Simeon Masaba converted the resultant penalty before being undone by a late equaliser.
Africa Championship (First leg)
Eritrea 2 Uganda 2
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