Taifa Stars yesterday qualified for another round in the Africa Cup of Nations finals when they drew 1-1 with Uganda Cranes at the second leg qualifying match held at Nakivubo Stadium, Kampala.
Uganda are out of the race after conceding three goals to Stars, two of which were scored in Mwanza in the first leg match. Taifa Stars will now meet either Rwanda or Sudan in the third round.
Uganda were the first to register a goal in the 7th minute through Godfrey Nsserikuwa.
It was Dan Wagaluka`s thunderbolt from a direct free kick which goalie Ivo Mapunda punched landing at Nsserikuwa’s feet who escorted it into the goal.
The goal boosted the hosts` morale who hungrily pressed for more goals. But Taifa Stars` defence marshalled by Fred Mbuna did not give them a chance.
Mbuna did a wonderful job in the 25th minute when he saved what would have been an open score from Dan Wagaluka.
Stars equalised in the 44th minute through Athumani Iddi who headed in a corner kick from Amir Maftah.
In the second half both teams launched onslaughts in turns to raise the goal margin, but none made it.
Meanwhile Kinondoni Regional team yesterday secured a ticket to the Taifa Cup semi-finals when they beat Mara 2-1 at a match held at the National Stadium.
Kinondoni who have little-known players with the exception of Carlos a former Yanga and Miembeni player, commanded the game dictating terms in almost all departments.
Scorers of the goals were Sino Augustino and Amani George for Kinondoni and Ezibon Ngobai for Mara.
- SOURCE: Sunday Observer
