Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Result: Somalia 0-1 Uganda
Rogers Mato’s early strike gave Uganda a 1-0 narrow victory against 10-man Somalia in the World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday.
In the game played at Berkane Municipal Stadium, Uganda Cranes were the better side but lacked the agility and sharpness in the final third.
However, they managed to squeeze through and register their first victory under the tutelage of Paul Joseph Put.
In the starting lineup, Put made three changes to the team that lost to Guinea.
Ismail Watenge moved in between the sticks to replace Salim Jamal, Elvis Bwono took the right-back position while teenager Allan Oyirwoth was awarded his debut.
Rogers Mato was at the end of a quick transition to give Uganda the lead in the fourth minute.
Somalia gave away possession in Uganda’s half, Travis Mutyaba started the attack releasing Bomono who crossed the ball in the area to meet Oyirwoth.
The latter controlled and attempted to shoot on goal before Mato’s touch directed the ball into an empty net.
The Cranes were lively throughout the half with Mutyaba coming close in the 42nd minute after slicing through Somalia’s defence while Oyirwoth had his shot fly over the bar earlier.
With two minutes to play, Mato missed a one-on-one as he tried to round the goalkeeper Mustafa Muhammad with two minutes to halftime.
Somalia were reduced to ten with Abdi Mohamed given marching orders for the second bookable office at the stroke of halftime.
Uganda had several chances to extend the lead in the second half but none yielded positively.
Uganda will take the slim win as a source of belief after playing the second game of the qualification.
Uganda Cranes XI: Isma Watenga (GK), Elvis Bwomono, Bevis Mugabi, Halid Lwaliwa, Aziizi Kayondo, Kenneth Ssemakula, Khalid Aucho (C), Allan Oyirwoth, Rogers Mato, Fahad Bayo, Travis Mutyaba
