2017 Afcon qualifying result
Group D
Botswana 1-2 Uganda
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Comors vs Burkina Faso
Uganda edged closer to ending their 39-year absence from the Africa Cup of Nations following a 2-1 victory over hosts Botswana in Francistown on Saturday.
Kizito Luwagga and Khalid Aucho netted Uganda’s goals while Onkabetsi Makgantai grabbed Botswana’s consolation.
The win takes Uganda top of Group D with 10 points, three ahead of Burkina Faso, who have played one game fewer than the Cranes. The Burkinabe face Comoros on Sunday.
All coach Micho Sredojevic’s Uganda need now is to beat Comoros in September and hope Burkina Faso fail to pick maximum points from at least one of their remaining two games to qualify as group leaders.
The Cranes also have a chance to qualify for the finals in Gabon as one of the two best second-placed teams.
Uganda took the lead on nine minutes when Tonny Mawejje picked out Luwagga with long, searching ball.
Luwagga expertly controlled it inside the area before rounding the Botswana goalkeeper to roll into an empty net.
Botswana returned from the break with resolve and duly levelled when Makgantai stole behind Uganda’s backline to beat Denis Onyango five minutes after recess.
The hosts could not, however, keep it level for long, Denis Guma picking out Aucho with a replica of Mawejje’s earlier pass to Luwagga.
Under pressure, Aucho controlled with his left before prodding it home for Uganda to retake the lead and seal victory.