AFCON 2019: Uganda a point away from round of 16 after Zimbabwe draw

Uganda moved to a point away from qualifying to the round of 16 after playing to a one all draw with Zimbabwe in both teams’ second game of the Afcon 2019 tournament.

Despite having a brilliant start that saw them scoring as early as the 12th minute through Emma Okwi, Uganda  found a hard time with the Zimbabweans.

Dashing from the right flank, Abdu Lumala fired towards the Zimbabwe goal before the goalkeeper George Chigova parried it off only to find the foot of Emma Okwi waiting to do what it does best.

In no minute, fans were into frenzy with Cranes’ first and only goal of the game.

The goal seemed like a stone in a swarm of bees because the Zimbabweans never relented as they produced a number of attacks onto the Cranes goal.

Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat, Captain Knowledge Musona and Talent Chawapihwa proved a thorn in Uganda’s flesh with a number of attacks only for Denis Onyango saving the situation.

Zimbabwe’s tireless efforts later paid off in the 40 minute when Musona, just like his name with a lot of knowledge laid the ball well for Billiat to play it past Onyango for the equalizer.

In the second half, both teams had a fair share of the ball with both making numerous attacks on each other’s goal but the final whistle saw settle for a draw.

The result means Uganda is only a point away from playing in the round of 16 on four points and are second in the group after hosts Egypt beat DRC two nil to go top on six points.

Uganda has not gone past the group stages for 41 years since 1978 when they  reached the finals.

They will now play for a draw against Egypt in the last game of the group.

Cranes starting XI Vs Zimbabwe

Denis Onyango , Bevis Mugabi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Ronald Mukiibi Ddungu, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Michael Azira(Tadeo Lwanga), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi(Allan Kyambadde), Khalid Aucho, Faruku Miya(Timothy Awany), Patrick Henry Kaddu, Abdu Lumala

Subs:

Robert Odongkara (G.K), Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Joseph Benson Ochaya, Paul Derrick Nsibambi, Allan Kateregga, Isaac Muleme, William Luwaga Kizito, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme,Murushid Juuko