- Chan 2020 Qualifiers
- Uganda Cranes 3-0 Burundi
- *Uganda Cranes qualifies 6-0 on aggregate
It is confirmed that Uganda Cranes will play at the Championship of African Nations Championship for the fifth time in a row.
The development was confirmed after a comprehensive 6-0 aggregate win over Burundi in the final stage of the qualifiers.
Uganda Cranes beat Burundi 3-0 on Saturday evening at the StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala during the return leg to complete a double over Burundi.
Fahad Bayo, substitute Viane Ssekajugo and Allan Okello scored the goals for Uganda Cranes to seal a berth to the Chan 2020 tournament that will be hosted by Cameroon.
Vipers Sports Club forward Fahad Bayo scored the opener as early as the fifth minute. Bayo controlled a well-delivered cross from the left by Mustafa Kizza and finished past goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo for the opener.
Seven minutes later, Burundi’s Iddy Muselemu shot from distance and the Cranes’ goalie Charles Lukwago had a slight touch for the visitors’ corner kick.
On the quarter-hour mark, Allan Okello released Bayo with a defence splitter. Bayo beat the goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo but tapped just wide.
Uganda remained the offensive side by the 20th-minute mark. A flying ball from left-back Mustafa Kizza found right-back Paul Willa in a scoring position but he was judged to be off-side by the Somalian match referees.
After 25 minutes, Shafiq Kagimu cross from the right was poorly controlled by Kizza inside the Burundi goal area in what looked like another chance.
Before the half-hour mark, there were two quick shots in succession from Okello and Mike Mutyaba both saved by Burundian goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo
With 10 minutes to the climax of the first half, Okello was set by Shafiq Kagimu but the former’s final ball from was weak.
Burundi’s captain Dany Cedric Urasenga threatened towards the end of the first half but he was well pocketed by Uganda’s Halid Lwaliwa.
In the 40th minute, Yusuf Ssozi danced his way from the right flank before delivering a decent chip that was well defended by Abdoul Amini.
As the half winded up, Mutyaba’s shot was blocked after a great wall pass with Bayo.
Burundi returned an energized entity in the opening stages of the second half.
Gangly striker Landry Ndikumana shot over from 25 yards five minutes into the second stanza.
Moments later, Mike Mutyaba’s cross from the left was dummied by Kagimu but Willa shot over
The visitors called for the first change after 52 minutes. Cedric Mavugo paved way for Benjamin Gasongo.
Ten minutes into the half, Bright Anukani was introduced for Kagimu’s place.
Bayo hurriedly shot wide from 25 yards on the hour mark before Okello’s goalbound shot was blocked and two minutes later, Mutyaba had a great attempt fly narrowly over from 30 yards.
Goalie Lukwago saved from Landry Ndikumana’s left-footed shot as Burundi pushed forward for the equalizer.
Substitute Anukani had an intended through ball for Bayo roll so fast as the goalkeeper Rukundo collected with ease.
Mike Mutyaba was rested for Viane Ssekajugo with 25 minutes to play.
Landry Ndikumana came out for Olivier Bayizere in Burundi’s second change.
Uganda scored the second goal through Viane Ssekajugo in the 71st minute. The Wakiso Giants left-footed player controlled a high ball from Willa before he poked it past the goalkeeper Rukundo.
With a quarter an hour to play, Masudi Narcisse was introduced for Youssouf Ndayishmiye.
Uganda Cranes’ final change witnessed the dreadlocked Dan Muzeyi Sserunkuma take over Fahad Bayo with 12 minutes to play.
Okello scored the third goal following a schoolboy mistake by the goalkeeper Rukundo.
Okello had a chance to get a brace but his shot from distance sailed out with two minutes to play.
Uganda has now qualified for the fifth consecutive Chan finals following earlier successes in 2011 (Sudan), South Africa (2013), Rwanda (2016) and lately Morocco (2018).
Uganda Cranes XI: Charles Lukwago (GK), Paul Willa, Mustapha Kizza, Halid Lwaliwa (Captain), John Revita, Yusuf Ssozi, Nicholas Kasozi, Allan Okello, Fahad Bayo (78’ Dan Muzeyi Sserunkuma), Mike Mutyaba (65’ Viane Ssekajugo), Shafiq Kagimu (55’ Bright Anukani)
Substitutes Not Used: James Alitho (G.K), Musitafa Mujuzi,, Allan Kayiwa, Saidi Kyeyune
Burundi XI: Onesime Rukundo (G.K), Cedric Mavugo (52’ Benjamin Gasongo), Iddy Muselemu, Youssouf Ndayishimiye (75’ Masudi Narcisse), Landry Ndikumana (69’ Olivier Bayizere), Abdoul Amini, Emmanuel Harerimana, Eric Ndizeye, Asman Ndimana, Abed Bigirmana, Cedric Dany Urasenga (Captain)
Substitutes Not Used: Joseph Rugerinyange (G.K), Faustin Ndikumana, Blanchard Ngabonziza, Benjamin Gasongo, Raoul Vyamungu