Uganda Cranes 39-year wait to take part in Afcon competition came to an end on Sunday after downing Comoros by a solitary goal at Namboole Stadium in Uganda.
The Cranes came into the match knowing a win over Comoros in their final 2017 Afcon qualifiers on Sunday will bring to an end years of heartache and near misses for the Pearl of Africa nation.
The Cranes last played at the Afcon in 1978 finishing as runners-up after losing the final to Black Stars of Ghana. Since then, it has been a case of so close but yet so far as they have failed to qualify despite going close especially in the 2011, 2012 and 2015 campaigns.
Coach Milutin Sredojević Micho went for his strongest line up, starting Khalid Aucho, Farouk Miya, and Tonny Mawejje, with Dennis Onyango starting in goal. The Cranes started the match well, pinning the visitors in their own half, with incisive attacks from the midfield.
And at 5.36pm, Farouk Miya ……BOOM GOAL!
The 35th minute goal came when Miya did well to leave three defenders for dead, before the goalkeeper saved his initial shot, but his counterpart Geoffrey Massa was there to ensure the ball remains in the danger zone, and as the defenders desperately tried to clear it, unfortunately it fell to Miya, who hit the roof of the net.
Meanwhile, two people were knocked dead while they celebrated going back home. This website understands the incident happened on Northern By-Pass as a speeding car knocked the motor cycle they were travelling on. Bodies of the deceased were taken to Mulago Mortuary. May their souls rest in peace!
Congratulations to Uganda Cranes.
