Cranes fly past Leopards in Cairo

by BackPageTXT

Saturday Jun 22, 2019. 18:38

Uganda move top of Group A following a 2-0 win over Democratic Republic of Congo in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations opener at Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.

The Cranes outclassed the more fancied Leopards from start to finish in hot conditions in the Egyptian capital to get their campaign off to the perfect start.

Patrick Kaddu opened Uganda's account with 14 minutes on the clock. The forward darted to the front post before nodding a pin-point header into the back of the net from Farouk Miya's corner-kick.

The KCCA forward had two further chances soon after, but failed on both occasions to find the back of the net in what was a dominating opening half-hour from the East Africans.

Micheal Azira then rattled the woodwork with a long-range bullet before Cedric Bakambu finally fired the Leopards first shot in anger. The China-based forward's low drive was destined for the back of the net, but Denis Onyango pulled off a superb save.

Uganda doubled their lead three minutes after the break. Miya the provider once more with his free-kick headed home by Emmanuel Okwi.

DR Congo's best chance of the half fell to Jonathan Bolingi soon after, but having beaten Onyango the forward was unlucky to see his looping header canon off the top of the crossbar and out of danger.

DR Congo continued to press forward in the closing stages of the match, but Uganda held firm as the claimed a notable scalp.

DR Congo (0) 0

Uganda (1) 2 (Kaddu 14' Okwi 48')

DR Congo: Matampi; Djos, Tisserand, Masuaku, Luyindama, Mpoku (Bolingi 52'), Bope, Mbemba (Maghoma 60'), Bolasie (Assombalonga 71') ,Meschak, Bakambu.

Uganda: Onyango; Juuko, Mugabi, Walusimbi, Wasswa, Aucho, Miya (Awany 88'), Lumala (Muleme 81'), Azira, Okwi, Kaddu (Kyambadde 75').