Result: Zambia 2-0 Uganda
Uganda will approach the second leg of the CAF U-17 qualifier in Kampala with a two goal deficit. Zambia carries a two goal cushion after winning the home fixture at the Nkoloma Stadium in Zambia on Friday evening.
Nchanga Rangers forward, Patson Daka surprised the visitors as he caught goalie, Eric Kibowa napping with a lobbed effort midway the first half to give the Zambians a slim 1 – 0 first half lead.
Edwin Chipile doubled the scores a minute after the hour mark with a well timed header following Enock Mwepu’s corner.
Uganda has been unlucky not to at least pull a goal back after wasting a series of goal scoring opportunities including two indirect free kick efforts when goal keeper, Daniel Sikanyika made two successive unforced blunders.
With 20 minutes left on the clock, Uganda forced 7 consecutive corners, won two indirect free-kicks but converted none much to the disappointment of the watching technical bench and a countable number of fans in the stands.
Uganda’s coach, Matia Lule is hopefully his charges can overturn the results. “We have missed many chances but we hope we can overturn this result,” Lule said as he as responded to celebrated CBS radio journalist, Yusuf Baliruno.
His Zambian counterpart was well assured that the visitors would concede having allowed two away goals to Rwanda.
The return leg is set to be played in Kampala in a fortnight with the winner qualifying for the CAF U-17 finals in Niger next year.
The four semi finalists will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-17 world Youth championships in Chille.
Uganda Line up:
Eric Kibowa (GK), Diego Katumba, Alex Komakech, Kato Samuel Nemeyimana, Bashir Asiku, Emmanuel Olinga (Capt), Hassan Senyonjo, Frank Tumwesigye, Shaban Mohammed, Charles Sebutinde and Pius Obuya
Zambia XI:
Danny Sikanyika, Patson Daka (c), Wayne Museba, Prosper Chiluya, Salati Lungu, Edward Chimfwembe, Changwe Kalale, Enock Mwepu, Musonda Siame, Edward Chipile, Pumulo Siawanga
Match referees:
Center Referees: Mehdi Gervais (Rwanda)
1st Assistant: Honore Simba (Rwanda)
2nd Assistant: Raymond Nonati Bwiliza (Rwanda)
