CAF Confederations CUP 2015
Preliminary Round (1st Leg):
URA F.C (Uganda) 3-2 ASSM Elegco Plus F.C (Madagascar)
Well converted strikes from forwards Robert Sentongo and second half substitute, Frank Kalanda give Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) F.C a slim 3-2 lead over Madagascar club, ASSM Elegco Plus F.C ahead of the CAF Confederations Cup return leg in Antaanarivo in 14 day’s time.
URA F.C, who finished the game played on a slippery Namboole stadium turf with 10 men, twice came from a goal down to level matters and bury it off.
The tax collectors had been earlier punished for their appalling performance in front of goal especially in the opening half of the game where the 2014 Ugandan Cup winners failed to translate the huge possession advantage into goals.
In fact, by the end of the first 45 minutes, URA had registered 8 corners to the visitors’ parity one.
Come the second stanza of the game, Yvon Njilamanana, a first half change change for right winger, Tojo Claudel Fanamezana converted a 49th minute following defender, Jonathan Mugabi’s professional foul on Deanny Rajaorimanana.
The towering defender was shown a straight red card and the tax collectors’ had to play with 10 men for the rest of the game.
URA’s head coach, Alex Isabirye imminently introduced Elukana Nkugwa for Peter Lwasa before Frank Kalanda came in for a pedestrian Patrick Ochan two minutes later.
This reaped fruitful instant results for the Ugandans.
Striker, Robert Ssentongo in the 65th minute but the joy was shot lived as Oscar Agaba’s fouled Rajaorimanana in the forbidden area three minutes later the same striker Rajaorimanana scored the resultant penalty to restore the lead.
A weary Saidi Kyeyune was withdrawn for the fresh legs of a lively Mohamound Feni, whose movements on and off the ball are still a joy worth recounting.
One of Feni’s pin point cross found the goal poacher, Sentongo at the right time and the left footed ace beat Eddit Basita for the equalizing goal.
Another second half change, Frank Kalanda netted the winner 10 minutes to the final whistle off captain Simeon Masaba’s telling delivery from the right and spark wild celebrations amidst the small crowd – majority of whom were URA Staff and sports journalists.
The return leg is expected after a fortnight with the visitors departing for home on Sunday.
THE TEAM LINE UPS:
URA F.C:
Brian Bwete, Simeon Massa (C), Samuel Sekitto, Samuel Senkoomi, Jonathan Mugabi, Oscar Agaba, Saidi Kyeyune, Patrick Ochan, Peter Lwasa, Robert Sentongo, James Kasibante
Subs:
Sulait Luyima, Mohamound Feni, Elaknah Nkugwa, Yassar Mugerwa, Ronald Kigongo, Jimmy Kulaba
Changes: 49′ Elukana Nkugwa for Peter Lwasa, 52′ Frank Kalanda for Patrick Ochan, 62′ Mohamound Feni for Robert Sentongo
ASSM Elegeco Plus F.C:
Eddit Basita (G.K), John Rafelambolaosa, Jocelyn Mihor Ravelonjanabhary, Adrino Raveloarisona, Ndrantoharilala Ranainoson, Rajaorimanana Deanny, Tojo Claudel Fanamezana, Mario Bakary, Bosco Jean, Jose Rakotomavo, Tolajanhary Mehefa Honore
Subs:
Fadinand Rahajan, Tsiresy Rakota, Yvon Njilamanana, Tsitafify Faralahy Jean, Andrian Rajomazandry, Temitape Kilay, Rahahamdria Rivonalain, Hubbert Robson, Bernadin Ramahison, Mauela Ratsimbazafy, Raharison Noromalala, Rakotoarisoa Feno, Rekotomalala Loic Yvon, Hector Kandy, Rakotondoravaino Riri Victor, Slyvio Rindraniririna
Changes: 30′ Ndrantoharilala Ranainoson for Yvon Njilamanana, 75′ Tsiresy Rakota for Jose Rakotomavo
Post Match Reactions:
Alex Isabirye (URA F.C Head Coach)
We played well in first half but we were unable to convert those many chances we created. The red card at the start of the second half completely messed up my team plan but over all i am happy for this victory and we hope to progress to next level.
Jose Rakotomavo (ASSM Elegeco Plus Skipper)
Twice leading and ending up on the losing side is very disappointing. We shall revenge in return leg
