Senegal 1-1 Uganda
Uganda Cranes’ hopes of making a debut appearance at its first ever World Cup have come to an end after losing to Senegal 1-0 in a closely contested game in Marrakesh, Morocco. Sadio Mane’s 84th minute strike was all The Lions of Teranga needed to overcome ten man Uganda to confirm leadership of the group J by 12 points – four ahead of Uganda.
The Cranes started the better side and won three corners in the opening ten minutes with Senegal goalie doing better to save Mawejje’s free kick on the edge. As the game went further, the hosts despite playing at a neutral venue started coming into the game and forced Ugandan goalie Robert Odongkara into some good saves. Uganda’s slim chances of upsetting Senegal suffered a blow when left full back Godfrey Walusimbi got marching orders from referee Daniel Bennet after lifting his studs when he went for a challenge with Senegal’s Gassama Lamine.
The Cranes despite enormous pressure from the hosts held on till the end of the first half.
After recess, Hamis Kiiza almost gave Cranes the lead but his feeble shot was well saved by Coundoul in Senegal’s goal. The Lions of Teranga later regained control of the game and threw everything at Uganda but missed clear opportunities when Hannover striker Mame Birame Diouf headed wide twice in the 60th and 62 minute. Moments later, Robert Odongkara made a brilliant save with his leg after Sadio Mane shot straight on goal from close range. As if that wasn’t enough, Sadio Mane got another opportunity a moment later but this time the woodwork intervened to save Uganda. By then, Micho introduced Moses Oloya for Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito and later Martin Mutumba Kayongo for Hamis Diego in search for the much needed goal.
In the 84th minute, Uganda’s slim hopes of finding a winner were extinguished after Sadio Mane easily tapped Moussa Sow’s low cross into the net after the Fernerbahce striker beat skipper Andrew Mwesigwa to the ball. It was game over for Uganda at this time and the final whistle meant Senegal advances to the play off stages.
Uganda Team:
R Odongkara, D Guma, G Walusimbi, I. Isinde, A Mwesigwa, H Wasswa, T Mawejje, G Kizito (Moses Oloya), H Kiiza (Martin Mutumba), E Okwi (F. Kalanda) and B Majwega Unused
Subs: D. Onyango, H. Muwonge, H. Kalungi, S. Kabugo, R. Kasagga, J. Ochaya, M. Azira, R. Ssentongo.
