Israel Saria
Taifa Stars recorded good progress yesterday in the race for the African Nations Cup finals when they beat Uganda Cranes 2-0 in a match held at Kirumba Stadium Mwanza.
It was a thrilling encounter as both teams fought tirelessly to win the game, attacking each other in turns. At half-time the winners were ahead by 1-0.
Stars, who looked determined to win the game, launched onslaughts right from the beginning, realising the first score in the 12th minute through Emmanuel Gabriel.
It was Mrisho Ngassas good footwork that produced a cross pass to Gabriel and the latter unleashed a shot that went straight into the net.
The goal raised the Ugandans` tempo who fought with all vigour to equalise, but they were betrayed by poor finishing . They almost squandered all chances that came on their way.
Caesar Okut, who was a threat to the Stars defence, would have made it in the 37th minute when he was left with only goalie Faroukh to beat but shot wide.
Stars registered the second goal in the 61st minute through Shaaban Nditi following a pass from Salum Swedi.
Swedi rushed to save a ball that was rolling off the pitch and passed it to Nditi who without any mistake escorted it home.
After the second half, both teams increased pressure to raise the goal margin and the other at least to get a consolation goal but none succeeded.
If Stars win their return match to take place after two weeks, they will encounter a winner of the match between Sudan and Rwanda.
- SOURCE: Sunday Observer
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