Dar Es Salaam — THE Tanzania Mainland soccer team, Kilimanjaro Stars were reduced to mere novices after going down 0-2 at the hands of Uganda in one of the matches today in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup here.

The Ugandans enjoyed the lion's share of the game and looked more determined to win from the onset.

They scored the opener as early as in the second minute through Kasule Ousen who connected home Daniel Wagaluka's free kick.

Wagaluka who features in the Tanzanian premier league outfit with Azam FC was fouled by Kelvin Yondani.

The goal unsettled Kilimanjaro Stars and the panic could be visibly manifested by lack of confidence, from there on.

His compatriot Steven Bengo who also plays for Young Africans was the man who did most of the trouble as he tore apart the defence almost at will.

The only stumbling block in the early minutes of the game was the goalie Mwarami Mohammed who made fine saves. The goalie plies his trade with Ferroviario of Mozambique.

Some defensive mix up between Shedrack Nsajigwa and Salum Sued also contributed to the poor show.

Kilimanjaro Stars made two notable attacks, one in the eleventh minute but Kigi Makassi failed to tap home the ball.

They made another raid in the 37th minute which could have been the equalizer but again, they squandered the chance with John Bosco shooting feebly to the waiting hands of goalie Hamza Muwonge.

Kilimanjaro Stars were reduced to ten men in the 38th minute when Juma Nyoso, an attacking midfielder was given marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Despite the deficit, they were more organized in the last 15 minutes of the second half after the introduction of Henry Joseph, Mrisho Ngassa and Jerry Tegete who replaced Shaaban Nditi, Bosco and Makassi respectively.

Their fighting spirit was dealt a big blow two minutes to time when Serumaga Mike's untouchable free kick gave the goalie no chance.

The Tanzanian team head coach, Marcio Maximo was pleased with the performance despite the loss.

"The boys played well and I am confident of performing well in the next matches", the Brazilian coach said after the match.

His opposite number Robert Williamson said the match was tough. Teams were: Kilimanjaro Stars: Muharami Mohammed 'Shilton', Shadrack Nsajigwa, Juma Jabu, Kelvin Yondani, Salum Sued, Juma Nyoso, Danny Mrwanda, Shaaban Nditi, John Bocco, Kigi Makasi na Nurdin Bakari.

Uganda Cranes: Hamza Muwonge, Simeon Masa, Geofrey Walusimbi, Joseph Owino, Andrew Mwesigwa, Kasule Ousen, Daniel Wagaluka, Tonny Maweje, Geofrey Massa, Peter Senyonjo na Steven Bengo.

Meanwhile, Zanzibar team mauled Burundi 4-0 in a match played earlier in the day at the same venue.

Zanzibar opened the goal account in the 16th minute through Aggrey Morris who nodded home Nadir Haroub's corner.

Two minutes later, the hapless Burundi conceded the second when Hakizimana Hassan pumped the ball into his own net in an attempt to clear a cross.

Seleman Kassim drew his name on the score sheet in the 25th minute after he was set through by Ahmed Malik.

The Burundians did the Zanzibaris a big favour in the 67th minute when they conceded the fourth, this time Mbazumitima Henry slotting into his own net.

Kilimanjaro Stars and Zanzibar will meet tomorrow here in a match billed to be tough.