David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes edged Burundi 1-0 in the first leg of the CECAFA Zone Qualifiers for the CHAN 2024 at Hamz Stadium Nakivubo Stadium on Thursday.
Isaac Ogwang scored the all important goal for Paul Put’s men to earn a first leg advantage.
The Police FC striker gave Uganda the lead in the 35th minute when his low shot beat Burundi goalkeeper Dieudonne Ntibahezwa.
Burundi did not threaten in the first period as the Cranes prevailed to a narrow lead heading into the first time breather.
Shabani Kagayo came close to levelling through tie in the 49th minute but couldn’t hit the target.
URA FC striker Ivan Ahimibisibwe who replaced goal scorer Ogwang had the best chance of the second period but couldn’t beat Ntibahezwa in a one against one situation.
Uganda smiled to a narrow first leg win ahead of the return on Sunday, 29th December 2024 at the same venue.
Uganda has already sealed a place at the 2024 CAF tournament as co-host alongside Tanzania and Kenya but the team will use these matches for preparations.
The result eliminated Burundi despite having a second leg.
Sudan and South Sudan are now the only teams with a chance to qualify as the 4th team. Burundi and Rwanda cannot qualify after losing their first leg games to Uganda and South Sudan respectively.
Ethiopia lost their two games against Sudan.
The final tournament is slated to kickoff on 1st February and climax on 21st of the same month in 2025.
