Second half show displeases Bobby

Bujumbura/ Kampala

Going by Uganda’s not so sexy away record, a draw - more so one with goals - would always be welcome news back home.

And welcome it was as a one-all stalemate with Burundi in Bujumbura on Sunday gave the Uganda Cranes an advantage to advance to the next stage of the Championship of African Nations (CHAN).

Striker Henry Kisekka scored the visitors’ lone goal on 19 minutes before Burundi levelled matters soon after through a stunner from midfielder Pierre Kwizera.

But coach Bobby Williamson was disappointed by his team’s second half lackluster performance as the home side launched a high tempo onslaught after recess. Only wastefulness from Burundian strikers and some desperate clearances by the Ugandan defence saved the Cranes blushes.

Decent first
“Some of the individuals’ displays were so poor. I’m disappointed that the players didn’t follow my instructions in the second half despite a decent first. We were outplayed,” said Williamson after the game. Owen Kasule, Saddam Juma and Sula Matovu failed to replicate the industry they employed in the 3-2 win over Tanzania two weeks ago, in which the trio scored. They were overrun in the midfield by lively Kwizera as Claude Nihimana worked the Cranes’ defence. Only Musa Mudde who threaded the pass for Kisekka to score emerged from the game unscathed. The return leg is in a fortnight’s time and Uganda will face Kenya if they progress. “It will be hard to eliminate Uganda,” Burundi coach Amars Nyangabo said. The final of this only home-based players’ tournament will be played in Sudan.