CECAFA: Nsibambi’s late equaliser sends Cranes to semis

KCCA FC striker Derrick Nsibambi scored with only five minutes to the end of the game to enable Uganda Cranes earn a vital point that ensured they sailed through to the semi- finals of the CECAFA senior challenge cup on Sunday afternoon.

Ethiopia had taken the lead in the 22nd minute, thanks to Abdela Abubeker to keep the horn of African country’s hopes of proceeding to the semis alive after going into the game with only a point behind.

Ethiopia needed a win to sail through.

But the record champions were dealt a blow when they got two red cards for Isaac Muleme and Timothy Awany but this didn’t weaken their spirit and scored, five minutes to the end to force a draw against Ethiopia.

Nsibambi capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Ethiopia’s Balcha Shanko off a Hood Kaweesa cross from the right flank to put the ball into the back of the net leaving Ethiopian players in pain.

The draw ensured Cranes finished on five points and sailed through to the semis together with Burundi who play against South Sudan in their last group B game.

Ethiopia and South Sudan have been eliminated from this year’s CECAFA tournament and will have to wait for the next edition to participate.

Uganda are the defending champions after winning the 2015 edition hosted by Ethiopia.