COSAFA U-20 Youth Championship (Group A):
- Uganda U-20 2-2 Swaziland U-20
A ten man Uganda U-20 team shared the spoils with South Africans Swaziland during the four goal group A COSAFA U-20 thriller played at the Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe, Zambia on Friday afternoon.
Tsabedze Muzi gave Swaziland the lead on 23 minutes after a weak clearance from defender Geofrey Wasswa landed on the intelligent center forward who finished from 20 yards past a diving goalkeeper Keni Saidi.
Moments before the goal, the swift passing Swazi had a goal disallowed for off side by Zambian referee Stlaney Hachiwa as early as the 3rd minute of the game.
On a quick counter, Uganda missed a glaring chance when Julius Poloto’s shot was parried out for a corner by goalkeeper Mlamuli Lukhele after 5 minutes.
After 27 minutes, Uganda suffered an unfortunate fate. Right back Fred Okot limped out as his place was taken over by US based student and former Uganda U-17 captain Andrew Isiagi Okiring.
Two minutes later, Uganda Hippos’ captain Muhammed Shaban replied with a headed goal after Lukhele had failed to contain Mustapha Kizza’s shot on target.
On 35 minutes, Kizza had a free-kick narrowly kiss the woodwork as it sailed out from 25 yards. Allan Okello had a similar attempt saved by the goalkeeper with 5 minutes to the half time break.
Upon resumption, Uganda took the lead for the first time in the game through left footed gem Allan Okello.
Uganda then resorted to a defensive strategy and relied more on the long balls from the defenders and the quick counter attacks.
Shaban missed adding to his three goals in the tournament and putting the game to bed with 5 minutes left when his first time shot hit the lower right post and moved out.
His partner in crime, Steven Mukwala missed a one against one incident with the goalkeeper after a great wall pass involving Shafiq Kagimu.
Order Mamba cut short Uganda’s imminent celebrations when he rounded off goalkeeper Saidi for the late equalizer a minute to full time.
Uganda lost talisman and captain Shaban through a second booking as he was sent for an early show by the day’s referee two minutes inside added time.
As Shaban walked out he passed on the arm band to Express’ holding midfielder Abubakar Kasule since the vice captain Julius Poloto had already been replaced by David Owori on 86 minutes.
Uganda returns to action on Monday against Malawi.
Uganda U-20 XI: Saidi Keni (G.K), Fred Okot (27′ Andrew Isiagi Okiring), Mustapha Kizza, Geofrey Wasswa, Mustapha Mujjuzi, Abubakar Kasule, Julius Poloto (86′ David Owori), Shafiq Kuchi Kagimu, Muhammed Shaban, Steven Mukwala, Allan Okello (60′ Frank ‘Zaga’ Tumwesigye)
Subs Not Used: Ali Mwerusi (G.K), Eric Kibowa (G.K), Mujahid Ogama, Hamisi Tibita, Pius ‘TZ Iniesta’Obuya, Victor Matovu