Madagascar 2 – 1 Uganda
Two first half strikes have given Madagascar an edge in the 2015 African Nations cup second round qualifier played at the artificial turf of the Rabermanjara stadium on Sunday.
Madagascar took the lead through a 12th minute penalty after South African referee, Victor Gomes awarded following a foul on danger-man, Fabrice Angio Rakotondraibe.
The visitors looked disjointed and their complacency was punished in the 29th minutes when winger, Njiva Rakotoharimalala rocketed past left back, Joseph Ocaya and shot past the advancing goalie, Ismail Watenga, who surprisingly started ahead of the tried and tested Thika United goal custodian, Hamza Muwonge.
Half time ended 2 – 0 in favour of the Barea stars and Cranes introduced Francis Olaki and Brian Majwega for Martin Mutumba and Hassan Wasswa respectively at resumption.
The Cranes survived conceding a third goal after a timid Watenga brought down Paul Johann in a rush tackle but the resulting penalty effort was blasted wide.
Cranes pulled one back in the dying minutes of the game when Yanga striker Diego Hamis Kizza converted a penalty that followed a handball from Tobisoa Njakanirina.
The goal possibly will be a bonus for Uganda by the return leg on May 30th 2014 at Namboole Stadium.
The team returns on Monday and will resume training on Wednesday.
How the Ugandan team Started:
Ismail Watenga (Goal keeper), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Henry Kalungi, Andrew Mwesigwa (Captain), Hassan Wasswa, Khalid Aucho, Baba Kizito, Martin Mutumba Kayongo, Emma Okwi, Hamis Kizza.
Subs: Francis Olaki for Hassan Wasswa, Brian Majwega for Martin Mutumba Kayongo and Dan Sserunkuma for Joseph Ochaya.
Subs Not used:
Hamza Muwonge, Savio Kabugo ,Isaac Isinde, Luwagga Kizito
Match officials:
Victor Gomes (centre referee, South Africa) Stevens Khumalo Mothibidi (First Assistant, South Africa) and Sandile Dili Kane (2nd Assistant – SA), Victor Lungwani Tinyiko (4th official) Gladmore Muzambi (Match commissioner – Zimbabwe).
