Uganda Cranes make winning start in 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

Hosts Uganda have made a winning start in the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Kampala. Coach Jonathan McKinstry’s team defeated Burundi 2-1 in a Group A match played at the StarTimes Stadium on Saturday.

Bright Anuakani and Fahad Bayo gave Uganda Cranes a 2-0 half time lead after creating so many scoring opportunities.

But Burundi team returned a changed side in the second half as they dominated the game. After 60 minutes Burundi earned a penalty after defender John Revita handled the ball in the box.

Cedric Danny Rurasenga made no mistake from the spot as he sent Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Charles Lukwago the wrong way.

The win takes Uganda top of Group A since the earlier match ended in a goalless draw between Somalia and Djibouti.

“I am happy that we have started with a win, but there is still a lot to be done,” said Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry.

‘We were very much pleased with the first half and our players were implementing what we have practiced. All we wanted to do was working well in the first half. But the second we new Burundi would be aggressive,” added the Ugandan coach.

Olivier Alian Niyungeko, the Burundi coach said they will work harder to perform better in their next game against Eritrea on Monday.

Group A standing

P      W      D       L       GF     GA     A     Pts

Uganda         1       1       0        0        2        1        1      3

Djibouti        1       0       1        0       0        0       0      1

Somalia        1       0       1        0       0        0       0       1

Burundi        1       0       0        1       1        2      -1       0