The Uganda National Team earned a 1-0 hard-fought win against neighbours Rwanda in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Nyamirambo Stadium on Tuesday. Ashdod FC forward Fahad Bayo’s effort earned Uganda the first win in the qualifiers.
Mashamani Vincent’s charges started on a forefoot with continous attacks towards Uganda’s defence however, the men in white stood up to the challenge. Emmanuel Imanishimwe made good runs to give Denis Iguma a hard time with continuous crosses from the left but Jacques Tuyisenge failed to connect with the ball.
Uganda’s maiden chance came in the 22nd minute after left-back Isaac Muleme laid a hard cross but Steven Mukwala struggled to settle the ball in the box. In the 24th minute, Moses Waiswa fouled Rafael York and Rwanda started a quick free-kick to find Imanishimwe who laid a dangerous cross across the goalmouth but it was cleared away by Muleme.
Six minutes past half an hour mark Waiswa and captain Khalid Aucho weaved a great attack to release Muleme who laid a well-curled cross but Rwanda’s goalkeeper Emery Mvuyekere parried the effort away. Five minutes to end the first half Fahad Bayo tapped the ball into the back of the net after a scramble at the dangerous area to give the visitors a lead.
On the return of the second half, Rwanda captain Haruna Niyonzima found the first chance but his powerful effort parried above the bar. Two minutes past half an hour Steven Dese Mukwala failed to extend Uganda’s lead after his free header missed the target by inches.
Three minutes later Uganda made a double substitute introducing Aziz Kayondo and Julius Poloto for Isaac Muleme and Bobosi Byaruhanga to rejuvenate the team. Rwanda replied with a change to bringing on Muhadjir Hakizimana for Niyozimana
In the 74th minute, URA forward Cromwell Rwothomio replaced goalscorer Bayo after suffering a knock. The win takes Uganda to five points after three games with one win and two stalemates. The two sides will meet on Sunday, October 10, 2021, at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende.
Team line ups:
Rwanda XI: Emery Mvuyekure (Gk), Abdul Rwatubyaye, Salomon Nirisarire, Muhire Kevin, Fitina Omborenga, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Rafael York, Niyonzima Haruna, Jacques Tuyisenge, Meddie Kagere
Uganda XI: Charles Lwanga, Denis Iguma, Isaac Muleme, Enock Walusimbi, Timothy Awanyi, Khalid Aucho, Taddeo Lwanga, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Moses Waiswa, Fahad Bayo, Steven Mulwala
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