Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier: Uganda Beats Lesotho to Secure Top Spot in Group L

Emmanuel Okwi and Farouk Miya re-discovered their scoring touch as Uganda defeated Lesotho 3-0 in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Nelson Mandera National Stadium.

While donning their new kit, the Uganda Cranes reclaimed the top spot in style with a well-deserved 3-0 win over Lesotho at Namboole.
Right from the start right to the end, the Uganda Cranes proved they were a mouthful for the visiting Crocodiles of Lesotho, no doubt they were already one ahead after ten minutes of play.

Okwi who was undoubtedly man of the match lit up the crowd with a well drilled left footed shot that easily beat Lesotho’s shot stopper Mohau Kuenane.

The Cranes continued to push forward looking like the livelier and hungrier entity even after scoring the opener and it was just a matter of when the second goal comes.

Eight minutes before the break, Okwi was involved once again. Despite being heavily-marked he managed to drive in causing a penalty after he was brought down in the box by Basia Makepe.

Playmaker Farouk Miya did not hesitate, he stepped up and sent Lesotho’s keeper Mohau Kuenane the wrong way to make the score 2-0.

The Cranes, particularly Okwi were not done yet. The Tanzania-based forward scored his second goal of the day, Uganda’s third, with a decent header off Edrisa Lubega’s clever cross from the left in the 63rd minute to put the game to bed.

Uganda’s gaffer Sebastien Desabre will take a breather after getting his first competitive win for the Uganda Cranes. The Frenchman hadn’t won a competitive match since taking charge of the national side nine months ago.

The two sides will renew their rivalry on Tuesday when they face off in Maseru for the return leg. The other two teams in the group, Cape Verde and Tanzania, will also face-off on the same day.

Taifa Stars who were hoping this would be their year to end AFCO exile will be looking to even the score after enduring the bitter taste of the 3-0 defeat they suffered on Friday.
Uganda who are yet to concede a goal in this edition are top the log on seven points, Cape Verde in second on four, Lesotho are third-placed on two while the Taifa Stars of Tanzania sit at the bottom on two points.

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