Cranes reach last four in Nile Basin tourney

By GILBERT WANDERA in CAIRO

Uganda Cranes picked a point to make it to the semi-final of the Nile Basin tournament after holding Taifa Stars 1-1 at Police Stadium, Tuesday.

It was the Senior Challenge Cup champions who scored first with a brilliant effort from Mohammed Abdalla in the 23rd minute.

Abdalla, nicknamed ‘Machupa’ beat Hamza Muonge in Uganda’s goal with a drop shot and the Ugandan keeper did not have a chance.

Taifa Stars looked a better side especially in the first half as they created chance after chance and were only let down by poor finishing.

Earlier before the first-half goal, Saidi Maulidi, who plays his club football in Angola, missed to put Tanzania ahead in the 11th minute.

FAILED TO SCORE

In the 13th minute, Nizar Khaftan also failed to score for Tanzania in one of the numerous chances that came their way as the first-half ended 1-0 in favour of the regional champions.

It was, however, a different story in the second-half. Uganda’s coach, Bobby Williamson, made several substitutions and the move paid off immediately.

Taifa Stars found themselves on the receiving end throughout the second-half and it was just a matter of time before the equaliser came.

Yudah Mugalu, who scored the equaliser in the 64th minute, was at the end of most of Uganda’s efforts. He should have scored four minutes before he got his name on the scorer sheet, but his powerful header was stopped by Juma Kaseja in Tanzania’s goal.

Another attack and the Tanzanian defence was forced to concede a corner. From it, Dan Wagaluka placed the ball on Mugalu’s head and he made no mistake, heading home for the equaliser.

Mugalu nearly scored another goal immediately but the goal post denied him. Coach Williamson admitted that they did not start the match well, but changes in the second-half made all the difference.

"We came back more organised and I am glad that we got the result that we wanted to ensure we make it to the semi-final," he said.

Tanzania will play for the fifth and sixth positions. They only managed a draw from three matches in the competition.