Uganda Cranes earned a crucial point during the one all draw with the Warriors from Zimbabwe Warriors in an AFCON 2019 group A duel played at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Emmanuel Arnold scored the opening for Uganda after the initial shot on target from winger Abdul Lumala was stopped by the goalkeeper in the path of the scorer.
Khama Billiat scored the equalizer in the closing moments of the first half.
It took special moments of brilliance from goalkeeper and captain Denis Onyango who made pin-point saves to deny Zimbabwe the second goal.
In fact, Zimbabwe themselves would have conceded but in one of the created scoring chances, striker Patrick Henry Kaddu blasted the ball from close range.
The Uganda Cranes technical team introduced Tadeo Lwanga for Michael Azira, Allan Kyambadde for the knocked Emmanuel Arnold Okwi and later Timothy Denis Awany for Faruku Miya.
Uganda Cranes now has four points from two matches and will face already qualified Egypt om 30th June 2019.
Egypt beat DR Congo 2-0 in the closing game on the menu.
Uganda Cranes XI:
Denis Onyango (G.K), Bevis Kristofer Kizito Mugabi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Ronald Brian Mukiibi Ddungu, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Michael Azira, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Khalid Aucho, Faruku Miya, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Abdu Lumala
Subs:
Robert Odongkara (G.K), Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Dennis Awany, Tadeo Lwanga, Paul Derrick Nsibambi, Allan Kateregga, Isaac Muleme, William Luwaga Kizito, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme,Murushid Juuko
Head Coach: Sebastien Desabre (France)
Zimbabwe XI:
George M.T Chigova (G.K), David Tendayi Darikwa, Divine Xolile Lunga, Teenage Lingani Hadebe, Alec Takunda Mudimu, Danny Phiri, Ovidy Obvious Karuru, Khama Billiat, Michael Kamusoko Thabani, Knowledge Musona (Captain), Talent Chawapihwa
Subs: Philana Tinotenda Kadwere (G.K), Lawrence Mlanga, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Knox Mutizwa, Elvis Chipezeze, Evans Rusike, Jimmy Deis Dzingai, Marshal Nyasha Munetsi, Ronald Tapiwa Pfumbidzai
Injured: Edmore Sibanda (G.K), Nyasha Mushekwi, Marvellous Nakamba
Head coach: Sunday Marimo Chidzambga (Zimbabwe)
Match officials:
- Center Referee: Eric Arnaud Otogo Castane (Gabon)
- Assistant Referee 1: Issa Yaya (Chad)
- Assistant Referee 2: Lione Andrianantenina (Madagascar)
- Fourth Official: Mahamadou Keita (Mali)
- Commissioner: Kossi Gbezonde Akpovy (Togo)
- General Coordinator: Khaled Lemkecher (Tunisia)
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