UGANDA CRANES STUN DR Congo 2:0 TO GET FIRST AFCON VICTORY IN 41 YEARS

Photo Credit : FUFA Media

Uganda Cranes Kick stared their 2019 AFCON Campaign in Egypt with a 2:0 over DR Congo in Cairo with goals scored by Patrick Kaddu annd Emma Okwi in either half.

The cranes started by hitting the from from the word go and it was by no surprise they took the lead in the 14th minute from a corner that was forced  by Lumala's bombarding runs on the right flanks where Uganda's forward Kadu Patrick headed from the near post due to poor marking from the Congolese defense.

Leo Matampi kept the score line respectable for the Congolese as it would have ended 3:0 in favour of the cranes at halftime while his counter part Onyango had only one save to make at half time from Cedric Bakambu.

The Cranes started the second half with the same gear they started the first half and  in the 48th minute they extended their lead to 2:0 after Emmanuel Okwi headed in Miya's well taken set piece.

Uganda was dominant in the middle of the park with Aucho fighting for every loose ball and Mike Azira's calmness and composure in the midfield was superb as he always took the pressure away from the Cranes. Lumala's performance was also superb until he was subbed off after he picked a knock to be repalced by Muleme.

DRC tried to get something out of the game but they  were off colour for the day and most analysts were hit by an egg in their face as they didn't expect Uganda to stun one of the favorites for the tournament. Florent Ibenge will have to go back to the drawing board if his side are to progress to the next stage.
Veteran keeper Onyango as usual put up a stand out performance when the Congolese attacked with a couple of fine saves and commanding his back line very well. 

The two sides will be again in action on Wednesday when Uganda take on Zimbabwe and DRC take on the hosts Egypt in a win or burst encounter if they are to  have any chance to progress to the next round

By: Gideon Senendo
Freelance Sports Writer