Charity Match:
- Uganda Cranes All Stars 5-3 F.C Barcelona Legends
Uganda Cranes AllStars have overcome the F.C Barcelona Legends 5-3 in a highly anticipated charity match played at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Saturday evening before a relatively fair crowd.
Following a 2-1 lead at the half time mark, the game came to life with five more goals in the second stanza.
The hosts took the lead as early as the second minute of the game through Tonny Mawejje’s perfectly curled ball off the left foot.
Magumba hit the post in the 12th minute following a quick counter attack.
Barcelona Legends quickly recomposed with a large fraction of possession, though at many times, pace caught up with the former stars.
Skipper Patrick Kluivert restored parity with a long distance effort off over 40 yards that caught goalie, Salim Jamal off his line for the equalizer, arguably the best goal on the day.
As the first half neared the end, Vincent Kayizzi who had a lot of runs down the right crossed for a well stationed Mawejje but his left tap was weak and easily parried for a corner by Julio Ceasar.
Two minutes to the half time break, Magumba released Sserunkuma and the poacher made no mistake from an acute angle, beating the advancing Julio Ceasar for the second.
The start of the second half witnessed three changes called for by the Uganda All Stars head coach, Mike Mutebi.
Steven Bengo, Abubaker Tabula and Mike Sserumaga replaced Magumba, Nestroy Kizito and David Obua respectively.
Uganda All Stars team scored three further goals from Sserunkuma, Steven Bengo and Mike Sserumaga’s late effort.
Second half substitute, Julio Salina scored two minutes after his introduction to make it two for the visiting legends.
Later Fred Tamale, Morley Byekwaso and veteran goalie Sadiq Wassa came on for the Uganda All Stars team amidst deafening cheers.
Gaizka Mendieta had the third goal for Barcelona legends to create a tense but exciting finish to the match.
Fans applauded every touch on the ball from either players of the two sides.
Uganda Cranes All Stars XI:
Jamal Salim, Simeon Massa, Nestroy Kizito, Phillip Obwinyi, Kizito Baba, Tonny Mawejje, Kizito Baba Geofrey, Hakim Magumba, Vicent Kayizzi, Geofrey Sserunkuma, David Obua
F.C Barcelona Legends:
Julio Ceasar (G.K), Juliano Belleti, Sergio B., Gaiziaka Mendieta, Ludovic Guilly, Luis Garcia, Francesco Coco, Deco, Zambrotta, Edgar Davids, Patrick Kluviert
Match Referees:
Brian Miiro Nsubuga (Center Referee), Hussein Bugembe (1st Assistant Referee), Ronald Katenya (2nd Assistant Referee), Ali Sabira (4th Official)
