James Ssekandi
2 May 2011
Uganda Kobs are odds-on favorites to qualify in the Zone five region for the All-Africa Games due September 3-18 in Maputo, Mozambique. The U-23 side secured a resounding 3-1 victory over Tanzania’s Manyara Stars in Dar es Salaam, the latest in a series of positive results Ugandan national teams have posted over their rivals in the East and Central region.
That result meant that Kobs progressed 5-2 on aggregate, and will face Kenya in the final qualification round of Africa’s multisport event referred to as the continent’s version of the Olympic Games.
Despite holding a 4-1 first leg lead, Eritrea failed to travel for the return leg yesterday in Nairobi. After the senior team Cranes edged Kenya for a slot at the Africa Nations Championship last year – that result came on the back of a couple of dominant performances in Cecafa over the Harambee Stars, Kobs will boast a physchological advantage over their neighbours.
Cranes are also top of group J in the Africa Nations Cup qualifiers with 7 points, three better than second placed Kenya. “This side has what it takes to reach Maputo,” said coach George Ssemwogerere after the match. “It’s a balanced side with lots of maturity at a tender age.”
The decision to include league leading scorer Hamis Kiiza has proved a masterstroke. The URA striker grabbed three goals over the two legs and proved unplayable for the Tanzanians. Midfielder Owen Kasule, Mike Mutyaba, full back Godfrey Walusimbi and striker Emma Okwi have also proved key additions.
Even without Vietnam-based Moses Oloya’s craft, Kobs comfortably dispatched Manyara Stars and will be in buoyant spirits for the first leg away in Nairobi in late June.
All Africa Games Qualifier
Saturday Result
Tanzania 1-3 Uganda
Uganda advance 5-2 on aggregate
First leg – June 25
Kenya v Uganda
AllAfrica – All the Time
Read more here:
Uganda Kobs On Track for Maputo