Tanzania Daily News (Dar es Salaam)
Japheth Kazenga
28 June 2011
Bunamwaya SC of Uganda started their debut spell in the in the Kagame Castle Cup with a 4-0 drubbing of Somalia’s Elman FC in the group B match played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.
The Ugandans, who had a lion’s share of possession in the match, led 1-0 at half time and could have grabbed a rather huge win had they not been careless at some point.
They took the game to their opponents right from the kick off but were let down by poor finishing, plus a couple of good saves by Elman FC keeper, Kamal Ali.
Bunamwaya’s much sought after opener came on 35 minute through skipper and right fullback, Robert Kimuli, who confidently out jumped Elman defenders to head in a good cross swung in by Tony Odur from the left flank.
Kimuli narrowly missed a good opportunity to score the second shortly thereafter, when he connected a corner kick from Odur only to see his powerful header skip the crossbar.
Despite being on the defensive for the better part of the first half, Elman players wowed the small crowd that turned up at the stadium with their slick passing and dribbling skills, which troubled Bunamwaya defence at times.
Elman twice unlocked Bunamwaya defence with their characteristic slow moves only to be frustrated by lack of good finishing in front of the latter’s goal.
Elman’s best chance in the half saw diminutive winger, Mohamed Nur, race clear after he was set up by team mate and cleverly lobbed the ball past onrushing Bunamwaya keeper, Hamza Muwonge, but disappointingly failed to finish off the move.
After a couple of fruitless attempts on resumption, Bunamwaya’s Kizito Luwanga eventually opened the floodgates on 54 minute as he calmly slotted in the second after he was set up inside Elman’s penalty area.
Ronald Muganga and Ayub Kisaliita scored the other two goals for Bunamwaya on 65 and 80 minutes respectively as the team continued to torment the Somali in search of a resounding victory and an impressive start in the event.
Bunamwaya coach, Edward Golola, was a happier man after the final whistle, saying his side was simply too good for Elman and obviously deserved to win. Elman FC coach, Yusuf Nur, said lack of good preparations cost his side dearly as his players did not have a permanent training ground back in Somalia because of the ongoing civil war.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s St George battled to a 1-1 draw against fellow army men Ulinzi Stars from Kenya, at the Jamhuri Stadium in the other match yesterday, report JOHN NDITI.
Sula Matovu put St George ahead after nine minutes but Ulinzi fought back and levelled the score through Stephen Waruru on 51st minute.
Referee Israel Mujuni flashed a straight red card to St George’s Abebaw Butako for a wrecked challenge on Anthony Nderitu in the 87th minute. The Tanzania Breweries Ltd (TBL) through its Castle Lager beer flagship has dished out 300m/- to sponsor the coveted regional championship.
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