Uganda Cranes retain title

By Robin Toskin

Rwanda became yet another easy pick for a dominant Uganda Cranes side, who completed a historic 11 regional title with a 2-0 win at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Danny Wagaluka and Emma Okwiri ensured Amavubi (Wasps) were dead and buried after 73 minutes of the 33rd final of the Orange Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

"We have tried our best to get to the final and I believe there is not shame in losing to Uganda," Rwanda coach Eric Nshimiyimana said.

Indeed, it was a befitting win for the Ugandan’s who have been impressive since the tournament started on November 28 as they swept aside the region’s other big boys, Kenya and Tanzania.

Coach Bob Williams feels Uganda have done their best and their level of play deserves to move to another level, especially on the continental stage.

It has always been a target for us to go all the way to the Africa Nations Cup. It is a target Ugandans have always worked hard for but I feel sorry for them because we have not achieved it. We lost narrowly to Ghana after having given them a game," William said.

Rwanda, however, would be surprised at their own below par performance especially how they conceded the first goal.

Geoffrey Massa raced down the left flank unchallenged, and Stephen Bengo was equally unmarked in the box and although he miscued his shot, it was enough to reach Wagaluka who slammed at the near post on 40 minutes.

Until then, Uganda had hogged possession without seriously testing the Wasps but nevertheless took a 1-0 advantage to half-time.

Rwanda emerged from the dressing room the hungrier side and Donattiene Tuyizere tested Hamza Muwonge with a rising drive, but the Uganda keeper tipped the effort over the bar.

Rwanda, however, almost paid for their zeal in search of an equaliser as another onslaught went begging when Patrick Ochan lost Tuyizere but Massa was a fraction late in arriving in the box.

The Amavubi went straight for goal, but were stopped by Muwonge who plucked the ball from the air as it descended onto the far post.

Perhaps the turning point for Uganda was when Musa Doka, in for the injured captain, Andy Mwesigwa, threw himself at a rasping Yusuf Ndayishime shot to cut out Rwanda’s charge.

Any hopes of a comeback for the Amavubi were dashed when substitute Emma Okwi, with virtually his first contribution to the battle, robbed Haruna Niyonzima, skipped past two defenders before burying Cranes’ second goal.

Rwanda had an opportunity to reduce the arrears but Ndayishime, so dependable during the group stages failed to connect with Jean Claude Iranzi’s cross.

Uganda bagged Sh2.1 m as Amavubi earned Sh1.4m and Zanzibar Sh750,000.