Ghana 1-1 Uganda
Uganda Cranes held The Black Stars of Ghana to a 1-1 draw in the group E game played at Baba Yara stadium, Kumasi on Saturday evening.
Cranes took the lead through Tonny Mawejje before Ghana equalized through Andre Ayew.
Ghana started brightly with Majeed Waris forcing a good foot save from Denis Onyango, as early as the fifth minute after he headed on target following Asamoah Gyan’s cross from the right.
In the 19th minute, Savio Kabugo got booked for a deliberate handball on the edge of the 18 yard area but Gyan’s shot from the resultant free kick was well saved by Onyango.
Three minutes later, Andrew Ayew beat almost the entire defence and hit a low shot which Onyango saved without much trouble.
Uganda’s first opportunity to test Fatau Daudah in Ghana’s goal came on the half hour mark but Tonny Mawejje shot wide and wild after receiving a good ball from Luwagga Kizito.
In the 39th minute, Luwagga had a chance but shot wide thanks to pressure from Mensah.
In the 42nd minute, Asamoah Gyan missed the chance to put Ghana into the lead as his low shot from close range one on one was saved by Onyango.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 45th minute as Uganda took the lead through Tonny Mawejje.
The Iceland based midfielder nicely controlled Luwagga’s cross before beautifully turning on the edge of the box to send a low shot which beat Fatau Daudah and hit the back of the net.
Five minutes into second half, The Black Stars leveled matters after Tunisian referee awarded what appeared a dubious penalty to Ghana after he judged Denis Iguma to have fouled Majeed Waris with Andre Ayew sending Oyango the wrong way from 12 yards.
Brian Umony thought he had put Uganda into the lead again but his shot hit the base of the post after beating Fatau Daudah.
Ghana coach made a double switch bringing on Mubarak Wakaso and Afriyie Acquah and later Jordan Ayew and his counterpart Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic responded by bringing on Robert Ssentongo for Brian Umony and later Hamis Kiiza for Moses Oloya.
From then on, it was a see-saw affair with each team searching for the winner but there was no change to the score line.
The result means Guinea who beat Togo 2-1 on Friday now leads Group E on three points while Uganda and Ghana follow on one point with Togo at the base with zero points.
Uganda’s next game is on Wednesday September 10 at Namboole stadium, Kampala while Ghana play Togo.
Uganda Cranes XI:
Denis Onyango (GK), Denis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Savio Kabugo, Andy Mwesigwa (c), Kizito Baba, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya (Hamis Kiiza), Khalid Aucho, William Luwagga (Farouq Miya) and Brian Umony (Robert Ssentongo).
Unused Subs:
Robert Odongkara (GK), Richard Kasagga, Isaac Isinde and Yunus Ssentamu.
