The fairly-tale would have been a victory for the Cranes. But as it was in 1978, Uganda Cranes failed to fly past highly-fancied Ghana, going down 0-1 in Gabon last evening. Still for many Ugandans, you cannot lose an Africa Cup of Nations match unless you have qualified to be there.
And to be back on the big stage, after 39 years in the wilderness, was a victory in itself – as JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE reports.
Uganda Cranes succumbed to a 0-1 defeat to Ghana in their opening group C 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) fixture last night in Port-Gentil but they will have plenty of positives to draw from the game as they prepare for Egypt in their next match on Saturday.
Although the chances were few and far apart, The Cranes gave good account of themselves overall. Defender Isaac Isinde was guilty of a costly error after he pulled down Asamoah Gyan in the area to concede a penalty on 31 minutes.
Ghana captain Andre Ayew stepped forward and converted from the spot kick to give the Black Stars the lead. In the run-up to the goal, Newcastle man Christian Atsu had tormented Cranes’ left back Joseph Ochaya with his pace on several occasions.
It is from the resultant crosses that The Cranes were nearly punished as Gyan found unmarked but his glancing headers twice missed the target narrowly. Cranes had two realistic chances in the opening half, with Tony Mawejje and Farouk Miya testing Ghana keeper Brimah Razak.
On resumption, coach Sredojevic Micho introduced Moses Oloya for Mike Azira, Muhammad Shaban for Kizito Luwagga and Geoffrey Sserunkuma for Isinde. With the changes, The Cranes pressed hard as they created some good chances but lacked precision.
Saved for his rasping free kick shot over the bar, skipper Geoffrey Massa, who is the most experienced player on the side and was widely expected to lead The Cranes charge, had far little impact on the evening.
For now, Micho and his boys must plot for Egypt and avoid another defeat if The Cranes want to prolong their dream return to the Afcon finals. Ironically, Egypt come off as Uganda’s dreaded opponents given Cranes history against The Pharoahs.
