Rwanda 1-2 Uganda (FT)
Uganda National Under 23 side, The Kobs approach the second leg of the CAF U-23 qualifier at Nakivubo Stadium with a goal cushion.
This follows Uganda’s 2-1 away victory over the Junior Wasps side at the Stade De Amahoro on Saturday.
After taking the lead on 9 minutes through a beautifully curled free kick from Uganda Kobs team captain, Faruku Miya, the Kobs approached the half time bend with a 1 goal lead.
Miya’s goal, a free kick from 20 yards after Rwanda goal keeper, Olivier Kwezira stepped out of the goal area with the ball in his hands was as eye catching as his overall contribution.
The second stanza of the game was a complete difference of the first.
Rwanda started brightly with constant attacks towards the Uganda Kobs.
Right back, Dominique Savio Nshuti restored parity for the home side with a well taken strike by the half hour mark.
The goal was an eye opener to Micho, who was making a return to a country he once managed for two years.
He introduced Martin Kizza for Tom Matisko before Erisa Ssekisambu paved way for midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba after 63 minutes.
Later on, Tadeo Lwanga came in for the tired legs of Kezironi Kizito.
The changes, as a testament for the Uganda tactician later after the post match press conference were a complete difference.
John Ssemazi, who had been industrious the entire evening laid a square ball for an on rushing Muzamiru Mutyaba, to beat goal keeper Olivier Kwezira with the simplest of taps.
Addressing the media after the game Micho credited the potential of the Rwandan team:
I give great respect for Rwanda. They are a team with good players and coach alike. Rwanda has invested since 2011. Knowing Rwanda deep inside. We got the result. My players were fatigued but we managed to pull off the result. Second half started brightly for Rwanda but we managed to rise up thanks to the two changes i made in the second half
Rwandan Irish born head coach Johnny McKinstry admitted thereafter;
We showed the potential especially in the opening 25 minutes of the second half. We have the ability to overturn the result.
The return leg comes after just a week on 30th May 2015
Uganda Kobs XI: Starting XI: Jamal Salim(G.K), Joseph Nsubuga, Bakaki Shafiq, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Brian Ochwo, Derrick Tekkwo, Tom Masiko, Keziron Kizito, Farouk Miya, John Semazi and Erisa Sekisambu
Subs: James Alitho (G.K), Deus Bukenya, Tadeo Lwanga , Muzamiru Mutyaba, Martin Kiiza, Umar Kasumba, Fahad Muhhamad
Head Coach: Milutin ‘Micho’ Sedrojevic
Assistant: Frank Anyau
Goal Keeping Coach: Sadiq Wassa
Rwanda XI: Oliver Kwezira (G.K),Michel Rusheshangoga , Emery Bayisenge, Faustin Usengimana ,Celestine Ndyayishmiye, Djihad Bizimana, Andrew Buteera, Yannick Mukunzi , Bertrand Iradukunda, Isaie Songa,Dominique Savio Nshuti, Marcel Nzorara, Abdoul Rwatubyaye, Janvier Mutijima, Robert Kevin Muhire, Robert Ndatimana , Jean Marie Muvandimwe, Bienvenu Mugenzi
Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry
Match Officials:
Souleiman Ahmed Djamal (Center Referee) – Djibouti, Abdillahi Mahamoud Iltireh (Assistant Referee 1) – Djibouti, Hamze Abdi Salime (Assistant-Referee 2) – Djibouti, Farah Aden Ali (Reserve Referee ) -Djibouti, Aimable Habimana (Match Commissioner) –Burundi