Mike Sserumaga’s goal guaranteed Uganda Cranes make a maiden appearance at African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Sudan next year.
Ten-man Cranes lost 2-1 to Kenya’s Harambee Stars on Sunday in the CHAN return leg tie at Nyayo City Stadium in Nairobi but advanced on away goals rule. The Ugandans had won the first leg 1-0 two weeks ago.
Sserumaga who had not featured in last three CHAN ties against Burundi home and the first leg with Harambee Stars justified his recall with a sublime free kick in the third minute which proved enough for a brave Cranes.
“Its emotion for every player and supporters that have involved since the Burundi game,” Bobby Williamson, the Cranes head coach told the media in Nairobi after the game.
Cranes managed to shrug off Kenya’s first and second half onslaught that came to naught thanks to two goals from winger John Balala in 58 minute and defender Edgar Ochieng’s 74th header.
In the 87 minute Captain Simeon Masaba was sent off for dissent after confronting a lineman in objection of Kenya’s corner as Cranes held on for CHAN final ticket.
Sserumaga’s goal ended Uganda’s near misses in any Confederation of African Football (Caf) football, since the Africa Nations Cup final albeit losing 2-0 to hosts Ghana in 1978.
