Uganda cranes surely put on a footballing show for the fans just two days after the nation had celebrated it’s 56th independence anniversary in Kyotera District.
The boys were looking to make it a back to back appearance at the prestigious African Cup of Nations Tournament after making a comeback to the tournament after 39 years of absence and many near misses.
Odds had been firmly placed against Sebastien Desabre. The Frenchman’s record of one win in ten matches was already appalling and had been heavily criticized for his flawed tactics in the goalless draw against Tanzania last month.
In the game against Lesotho, Okwi opened the score sheet with a brilliant shot outside the box, his goal seemed to allow the cranes to play better and with more comfort and less pressure. Okwi put a lot of pressure on the visiting team, resulting into a penalty that Farouk Miya netted, sending the Lesotho goal keeper in the opposite direction.
Off a perfectly waited ball from Waiswa, Lubega found space run down the left flank before crossing to Okwi, who headed in past a stranded Kuename in the 63rd minute. Okwi’s brace ensured that the three points were in the bag.
With a return leg on Tuesday (today), a repeat of a similar display would secure the much needed 3 points, which will put the Uganda Cranes who are so far leading the table out of the reach of Lesotho and Tazania.
A double on Lesotho will also ensure that the final game against Cape Verde who also thrashed Tazania in a 3-0 is not a final decider.