William Kizito Luwagga has been the difference between Uganda Cranes and Botswana in the first 45 minutes of the Group D Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers match at Francistown Sports Complex.
The midfielder operating on the right picked a long pass from Tony Mawejje through the middle, beat an offside trap before rounding off Kabelo Dambe to slot home in an empty net.
It’s a half that Uganda started early to ask the Botswana defense questions. Joseph Ochaya’s free kick after four minutes was probably the best chance of the game after Luwagga was fouled down the right, but the hosts dealt well with it.
It has been clear that Botswana who haven’t lost at Francistown on four occasions were desperate to have the bigger say early enough.
With Farouk Miya closed down, Luwagga was the source of creative power the Cranes had but was closed down by Lesenya Ramoroka every time he had the ball and tried to create something.
The number 10, defied odds there after as he found the back of the net, which was also his first goal in national colours.
Mogakolodi Ngele’s free kick two minutes later was beautifully tamed by Denis Onyango whose backline was kept on their toes throughout the first stanza.
But Uganda also kept on asking Botswana’s back four questions as Farouk Miya also found some breathing space.
By the half hour mark, Uganda had settled and played like the home team as Botswana struggled to find comfort at their own backyard.
Botswana’s Ofentse Nato was withdrawn and replaced by Legeso Galenamothhale just ten minutes to the break
If Cranes win the tie, it will take them on 10 points, three ahead of Burkina Faso who are visiting Comoros in the other Group D tie on Sunday.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI: Dennis Onyanyo (G.K), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Aucho Khalid, Tonny Mawejje, William Kizito Luwagga, Geofrey Massa, Faruku Miya
Subs: Robert Odongkara (G.K), Yassar Mugerwa, , Davis Kasirye, Edrisa Lubega, Erisa Ssekisambu, Emmanuel Okwi and Godfrey Walusimbi
Botswana Starting XI: Kabelo Dambe, Tapiwa Gadibolae, Boitumelo Mafoko, Tebogo Sosome, Lesenya Ramoroka, Ofentse Nato, Mogakolodi Ngele, Lebogang Ditsele, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Galabgwe Moyana, Joel Mogorosi (Captain)
