AFCON 2019: Uganda fall to Salah’s Egypt but progress to next round for first time in 41 years
Despite losing their last group game, Uganda progressed to the round of 16 in the 2019 African Nations Cup for the first time in 41 years.
Uganda last stormed the round of 16 in 1978 when they progressed up to finals in which they lost to hosts Ghana.
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The East African representatives started off well with a number of attacks onto the Egyptian goal but as they say, that is a story for another day because their opponents proved the better side despite creating fewer chances.
The Egyptians who had not got any shot since the game started were gifted with a free-kick in the 35th minute that saw Liverpool star Mohammed Salah curl the ball with his left foot but despite stretching to his fullest, Cranes captain Denis Onyango could not save the situation.
Egypt were now one goal up from one shot onto the opponent’s goal.
Uganda continued to attack the opponent’s goal with Emma Okwi, Faruku Miya and Abdu Lumala all trying to get the ball past the Egyptian goalkeeper but in vain.
The Egyptians were at it again on the stroke of half time when skipper, Ahmed Eissa El Mohamady capitalized on a cross from the left flank to fire past the Ugandan goalkeeper for a second goal, courtesy of erratic defending from the East African side.
In the first half, there was nothing much to talk home about apart from Denis Onyango picking up an injury and was replaced by Robert Odongkara but there was nothing much to save as Egypt won the game two nil.
However, both teams progressed to the next round with the hosts leading the group on 9 points whereas Uganda is on four.
On the other side, DR Congo beat Zimbabwe 4 nil to deny Emmerson Mnangagwa’s boys chance to progress to the next round.
The Congolese will now await the other final games of other groups unravel to see if they can qualify among the best four third placed teams.
Cranes starting XI Vs Egypt
Denis Onyango(Robert Odonkara), Nicholas Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Timothy Denis Awany, Hassan Wasswa, Abdu Lumala, Khalid Aucho(Taddeo Lwanga), Faruku Miya,Emmanuel Arnold Okwo,Allan Kyambadde(Luwagga Kizito).
Subs
Robert Odongkara(GK), Magoola Salim(GK), Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Bevis Kizito Mugabi,Taddeo Lwanga, Patrick Henry Kaddu, William Kizito Luwaga, Nsibambi Derrick, Brian Ddungu Mukiibi, Allan Kateregga, Isaac Muleme.
