AFCON 2021 qualifiers: Uganda picks precious away point off Burkina Faso

Uganda started the 2021 African Nations Cup qualifiers journey on a positive note when they picked an important away point off Burkina Faso in the opening group B game in Ouagadougou on Wednesday night.

In a place where they have not been good visitors, the Cranes were wary of being beaten in their opening game but they fought tooth and nail to ensure they at least earned a point off the Stallions.

In the opening minutes, the hosts could have taken the lead but it was Joseph Ochaya who saved the day with the clearance off the line after skipper Denis Onyango had been beaten.

There were several chances against the visitors but the defence line stood tall to mitigate any threats.

The Cranes on the other side made numerous attempts on the enemy’s goal but they yielded nothing and at the end, they earned a precious point off the hosts as they head into their second game on Sunday against Malawi at home.

Speaking after the game, Cranes coach, Johnathan McKinstry said applauded the players for the point earned away from home.

“It is one point earned and we need to maintain doing this to earn points on the road,”McKinstry said.

“Let us now build on this positive start with a strong performance at Namboole this coming Sunday.”

In the other game in the group, Malawi beat South Sudan 1-0 to go top of the group on three points, above Uganda and Burkina Faso.

Uganda was pitted against Burkina Faso, Malawi and South Sudan in group B and will be seeking to have a third consecutive AFCON qualification after making shows at the 2017 and 2019 finals.

The team  has now embarked on a journey back home in a bid to prepare for the game against Malawi on Sunday in their second game in the group.

Uganda Cranes XI:

Denis Onyango , Bevis Mugabi, Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Denis Awany, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Mike Azira, Faruku Miya,Emmanuel Okwi, Abdul Lumala, Henry Patrick Kaddu

Subs:Robert Odongkara (GK),Charles Lukwago (GK), Nico Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Hassan Wasswa, Halid Lwaliwa,Taddeo Lwanga, William Kizito, Alexis Bakka, Allan Kyambadde, Fahad Bayo, Allan Okello.