Chan final qualification round return leg
Rwanda 2-0 Uganda
(Uganda won 3-2 on aggregate)
Uganda Cranes qualified for a fourth successive Chan finals despite losing 2-0 to Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars at the Kigali Stadium on Saturday evening.
Yannick Mukunzi and Thierry scored the hosts goals as the Wasps threatened to expeditiously overturn Uganda’s first leg result of 3-0.
Rwanda’s win was, however, not enough for the Wasps to qualify for next year’s finals tournament to be held in Kenya.
Instead, Uganda’s 3-0 first leg victory at the St. Mary’s Stadium a week earlier had done enough to ensure the Cranes made it four straight appearances at a tournament made for players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues.
The Cranes made a nervous start and were punished in the eighth minute when midfielder Mukunzi stole in at the near post to connect past Ismail Watenga in Uganda’s goal.
It got even better for the home team when right back Thierry powered in a right wing corner kick to make it 2-0 inside 15 minutes.
First leg two-goal hero Muzamir Mutyaba had moments earlier split the opposition defence to set up Shafiq Kagimu but the forward could not beat Rwandan goalkeeper Eric Ndayishimye.
The result also means that interim coaching pair Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba successfully completed their first task since taking charge early month following the departure of Micho Sredojevic.
Cranes lineup
Ismail Watenga, Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Paul Musamali, Timothy Awany, Bernard Muwanga, Moses Waiswa (Martin Kizza) Muzamir Mutyaba (Paul Mucureezi) Derrick Nsibambi Milton Karisa (Erisa Sekisambu) Shafik Kagimu
Unused substitutes
Benjamin Ochan Deus Bukenya Tom Masiko Simon Sserunkuma