What Cranes Need to Reach Afcon Last 16

Ugandan Cranes striker Emmanuel Okwi scored Uganda’s third goal of the tournament but it was not enough to hand the Cranes all three points as Zimbabwe’s Khama Billiat leveled matters from close range before half time at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The result moves Uganda to four points, which should – at worst case scenario – have them in the last 16.

Uganda Cranes had a brilliant start when Okwi slammed the ball home 11 minutes into the game for his second tournament goal.

Okwi was well positioned to bury home Abdu Lumala’s initial shot on target, fluffed by goalkeeper George Chigova.

Six minutes later, Godfrey “Jajja Walu” Walusimbi had a chipped free-kick that found striker Patrick Kaddu in an offside position.

From then onwards, Zimbabwe Warriors took over.

A largely impressive Khama Billiat crossed inside the Uganda goal area but skipper Knowledge Musona arrived late at the back post after 18 minutes.

Goalkeeper Denis Onyango reacted quicker off his line to tame the impending danger – a through ball by Talent Chawapihwa on the right wing.

Uganda Cranes XI:

Denis Onyango (G.K), Bevis Kristofer Kizito Mugabi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Ronald Brian Mukiibi Ddungu, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Michael Azira, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Khalid Aucho, Faruku Miya, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Abdu Lumala

Subs:

Robert Odongkara (G.K), Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Dennis Awany, Tadeo Lwanga, Paul Derrick Nsibambi, Allan Kateregga, Isaac Muleme, William Luwaga Kizito, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme,Murushid Juuko

Head Coach: Sebastien Desabre (France)

Zimbabwe XI:

George M.T Chigova (G.K), David Tendayi Darikwa, Divine Xolile Lunga, Teenage Lingani Hadebe, Alec Takunda Mudimu, Danny Phiri, Ovidy Obvious Karuru, Khama Billiat, Michael Kamusoko Thabani, Knowledge Musona (Captain), Talent Chawapihwa

Subs: Philana Tinotenda Kadwere (G.K), Lawrence Mlanga, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Knox Mutizwa, Elvis Chipezeze, Evans Rusike, Jimmy Deis Dzingai, Marshal Nyasha Munetsi, Ronald Tapiwa Pfumbidzai

Injured: Edmore Sibanda (G.K), Nyasha Mushekwi, Marvellous Nakamba

Head coach: Sunday Marimo Chidzambga (Zimbabwe)

Match officials:

• Center Referee: Eric Arnaud Otogo Castane (Gabon)

• Assistant Referee 1: Issa Yaya (Chad)

• Assistant Referee 2: Lione Andrianantenina (Madagascar)

• Fourth Official: Mahamadou Keita (Mali)

• Commissioner: Kossi Gbezonde Akpovy (Togo)

• General Coordinator: Khaled Lemkecher (Tunisia)