In-form Mawa scores late to send Uganda to Afcon U-17

Uganda Cubs have defeated Djibouti 1-0 to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) U-17 that will take place in Morocco next year.

It was a hotly contested semi-final clash of the Zonal Afcon U-17 qualifier at the Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu, Rwanda before Oscar Mawa netted late in the 89th minute to send Uganda to the Afcon U-17.

The Djibouti team played a highly defensive approach giving the Ugandan players no room to play their kind of football.
But the in-form Mawa picked a good cross on 89 minutes who slot the ball past Djibouti’s goalkeeper Osma Youssouf. It was Mawa’s sixth goal of the tournament.

Djibouti earlier had Soultan Soultan and substitute Khalid Ali come close to scoring, but missed the target.
“I am happy we have achieved one goal of qualifying for Afcon 2021. Now we need to retain the title,” said a happy Uganda Cubs coach Hamuza Lutalo after the match.

Djibouti’s coach Mohamed Ali Affasseh said he was disappointed his team did not take the few chances they got. “We tried our best, but the pressure was too much on the defense. But we are happy to reach this far in the tournament,” he added.