Uganda strike at the death to deny Kenya bragging rights

Uganda's Kikonyogo Ronald (left) dribbles past Simon Mwaura of Kenya during EALASCA Games yesterday at Kenyatta Sports Ground, Kisumu. [PHOTO: PHILLIP ORWA/STANDARD]

Kenya lost their nerves when it mattered most to lose 1-0 to Uganda in a football match as the East Africa Local Authority Sports Council Association Games entered day two in Kisumu yesterday.

Uganda’s Nasira Noel tapped home with 10 minutes to time for that 1-0 win.

Kenya were quick off the blocks as they took on their opponents with ease. Simiyu Daniel was deft in his touches as he danced through the midfield. His passes were at times, pin-point and in one of those occasions, found Jaffa Jakub upfront, who failed to beat Ugandan goalkeeper, Ssekajja Bashir.

Uganda took time to settle, but when they did, they were what Kenyans were dreading most; admirable. Kenya’s defence led by Abel Dennis and Simon Mwaura was under constant threat for most of the time.

Their efforts nearly paid off, but Kizza Mustafa missed target by a whisker. The attacks were coming in fast. And within no time, Uganda got a penalty after Derrick Onyai was brought down in the box. Referee Augustine Nyerere pointed on the spot and Kizza stepped up to take the challenge, but Kenya’s goalkeeper Alex Mwangi had other ideas. He parried the penalty for a fruitless corner, sending the partisan crown into constant jubilation.

Meanwhile, Kenya came from behind to defeat Uganda 73-55 in a basketball encounter.

Kenya lost the first quarter 25-19, but came back stronger in the second quarter, which they won 17-08, then tied the third 14-14, before they won the last quarter 23-09.

Rwanda thereafter defeated Uganda 78-55 (18-15, 29-16, 14-10 and 17-12) in another encounter.

Rwanda’s Benjamin Mukongwa sank 27 points for the big win, while Riwroth Wilberforce was Uganda’s top scorer with 12 points.