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Uganda/Tanzania: Dhaira Lifts URA to Cecafa Final
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New Vision (Kampala)
24 July 2008
Posted to the web 25 July 2008
Kato Kawuma
Kampala
Goalkeeper Abel Dhaira and Eric Obua, son of ex-FUFA boss, Denis Obua were the heroes for URA FC as the tax-collectors stormed the CECAFA Club Championship final yesterday.
Obua scored the winner for URA while Dhaira saved a penalty kick at the death to bury the revered Simba SCâ-à1-0 in a thrilling match played in the New National Stadium in Temeke.
Dhaira, a former Express goalkeeper, saved the last-minute penalty in extra time taken by Nigerian Emeh Uchekuchwu. The penalty was awarded by Kenyan referee Thomas Onyango after Manko Kaweesa handled in the box. The goalkeeper made a stretching dive on his right to save the taxmen from going into the nailbiting spot-kicks.
Striker Uchekuchwu, a second-half substitute for defender Anthony Mutangalu, wept bitterly after Dhaira's save.
The crucial goal for Uganda's representatives came in the 111th minute when Obua, also a second half-substitute for Henry Kisekka, connected home a Martin Muwanga right wing cross with his torso to send the 60,000 capacity crowd into silence. As URA players and officials celebrated, Simba players were left crestfallen as their fans trudged out of the stadium.
Rival Yanga fans took it up from that moment and cheered URA, "Oh oh Simba... URA oyee. Leo mtafungwa..."!
URA will meet the winner of today's semi-final between Yanga and Tusker of Kenya in Sunday's final.
URA are now sure of returning home with at least US$20,000 (sh34.4m) which is the runners-up prize. The tournament winner stands to pocket $30,000, all donated by Rwanda president Gen. Paul Kagame who has sponsored the tournament since 2002.
URA Line Up:
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A.Dhaira, S.Mubiru, D.Kyobe (Senabulya, M.Doka, J.Owino, M.Kaweesa, D.Wagaluka, J.Bagoole, I.Kigozi, R.Okello (Muwanga), H.Kisekka (Obua)
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