Uganda cranes beat Ethiopia in Group B

By James Waindi in Dar es Salaam

Reigning champions Uganda came from behind to edge Ethiopia 2-1 in a mouth-watering encounter and kick-off their title campaign to a bright start here last afternoon.

Ethiopia dominated the entire match and would blame themselves for not beating the champions and now have a daunting task against Kenya who also lost to Malawi 3-2 later yesterday.

Shemele Godo scored the opener for Ethiopia in the 24th minute after he controlled Tesfaye Aleba’s powerful volley before scoring with his second touch as the Ugandan defense waited for the linesman to lift his flag, thinking the

striker was in an offside position.

Ethiopia could have led Cranes 4-1 at the breather had they capitalised on their chances, but they will now be tormented by the fact that they ended up losing.

Realistic chance

Henry Museka had Uganda’s sole realistic chance in the opening 30 minutes, as he rattled the cross bar in the 11th minute, connecting Dan Wagaluka’s cross. Godo had three clear chances but could not utilise them. He tried to loop the ball over custodian Robert Odongkara in the first occasion, but the goalkeeper read his intentions early and thwarted his efforts.

Harambee stars Stephen Ochola (right) challenges Malawi Victor Nyirenda at Main stadium-Dar es saam, Tanzania on Monday. Photo: Stafford Ondego/Standard

Godo, who was a constant threat to the Ugandan defense, beat three defenders in the 30th minute but instead of finishing of the move with a shot at goal, he decided to cut the ball in for his string partner Adane Girma who fumbled with it.

Wrong way

Rwandan referee Hudu Munyemana gave Uganda a penalty in the 33rd minute when Ethiopia defender Alula Mekonnen brought down Crane’s full back Godfrey Walusimbi inside the box and Simeon Massa made no mistake from the spot, sending the Ethiopian custodian Binyam Mekonen the wrong way for a 1-1 tie at half time.

In the second half, Ethiopia’s custodian Mekonen fumbled with the ball, dropping

Wagaluka’s feeble shot but Kisseka was fast to pounce on the ball to give Cranes the advantage.

"We lost a glut of chances today, and we were made to pay for it dearly because of our mistakes. We have to win our next match against Kenya to be in the competition," said Ethiopia coach Ifem Onuora.