8 December 2011
Rwanda and Uganda on Thursday qualified for the Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup final following two pulsating semi-finals at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars defeated Sudan 2-1 while Uganda Cranes came from behind to beat hosts Tanzania 3-1 in 120 minutes of play to set up an enticing final on Saturday.
It was just reward for Rwanda, who have been one of the most consistent team in the tournament and their Serbian coach Sredojevic Milutin was full of emotions.
“This has been the hardest matches of my life,” Milutin said. “My emotions were very high.
“I knew about Sudan because I have been there and I know their players. It was hard for me but we had a job to do.
“I am very proud of my boys. They have worked so hard but we are not celebrating. We have a final to prepare for.”
Uganda’s coach Bobby Williamson praised his side for coming back against the hosts.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game but we gave our best. We deserved to win,” he said.
Uganda are the only team in the tournament to have come back from behind and won a match.
Rwanda got out all cylinders firing and were rewarded in the fifth minute. Iranzi benefited from a Sudan defence that was standing high up in the field to race clear for a confident finish.
Narrowest of angles
Sudan left back Amir Rabei almost made it two up for Rwanda his defensive header shaking the cross bar in the 40th minute.
Ramadhan Agab (twice) and Khalifa Ahmed came close for Sudan who started the second half explosively.
They duly got the equaliser on 67 minutes, an exquisite overhead kick from Agab that swished into the far corner of the net.
Olivier Karekezi settled matters 10 minutes later, rounding a defender to blast home his shot from the narrowest of angles.
Mrisho Ngassa gave Tanzania the lead in the 17 minute, rolling the ball home after Uganda goalkeeper Abby Dhaira failed to gather a long punt from Mwiny Kazimoto.
By the scruff of its neck
Uganda replied through Andrew Mwesigwa’s header from Dan Wagaluka’s corner in the 55th minute.
The high-intensity game failed to produce a winner in 90 minutes forcing extra time play.
Cranes then took the game by the scruff of its neck, netting their second on 101 minutes when Emmanuel Okwoi, who plays for Tanzanian Premier League side Simba, headed in Simeon Masaba’s delivery.
Isaac Isende put the game away with a penalty kick in the 112th minute after Okwi was fouled in the box.
Bizarrely, a section of the Tanzanian fans cheered the Ugandans, prompting Tanzania coach Charles Boniface to regret their lack of patriotism.
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