Football: Hosts fight from goal down to win 2-1 in boys’ match

Despite conceding an early goal, hosts Kitende had everything going for them, thanks to their fans who thronged Gulu High School to cheer them on as they launched their campaign for the 2017 title.

Songs of praise, dance and loud claps whenever their players made moves kept their players going. In some instances, the fans could be seen issuing instructions to Kitende players. They were not prepared to lose this tie, not in their backyard.

The 2002 champions, St Anthony’s, had taken a 17th minute lead through James Kibande, who outwitted the entire Kitende defence to brilliantly score past an astonished goalkeeper, Derrick Ochan.

However, that did not deter or dampen the spirits of Kitende players who surged on in the hunt of an equaliser as the partisans urged them on.

Kitende fought relentlessly and their efforts were rewarded seven minutes later when Brian Kalumba sent the ball past St Anthony’s goalkeeper, Sheikh Aleeley.

Kitende’s Salim Kyube picked up a loose ball in the midfield and passed it to Kalumba, who completed the job to ensure parity.

Kyube and Kalumba once again joined hands to deliver the winning goal in the 55th minute through a free-kick, which was disputed by the Kenyans, who claimed Kalumba was offside.

The goal stood, nonetheless, and despite St Anthony’s fighting hard to restore parity, the hosts held on to register their first win of the competition.

St Anthony’s coach Peter Mayoyo cried foul on what he said was ‘suspect officiating’.

“The manner in which the match was officiated is suspicious, but I still believe we have a chance to advance to the knockout stage,” Mayoyo said.

In Group B, national champions Upper Hill lost their second match after they were walloped 4-2 by Alliance Boys of Tanzania.

They lost 3-2 to Uganda’s St Mary’s Kisubi in their first match on Saturday. Upper Hill must win against hosts St Joseph’s Layibi this afternoon to have any chance of advancing.