Uganda convincingly beat Burundi 3-0 away in Burundi on Saturday at the Intwari stadium in the first leg of the play-off round to stay only 90 minutes away from qualification to the 2020 Total African Nations Championships (CHAN).
Wakiso Giants forward Viane Sekajugo scored early in the first half for his first Uganda Cranes goal on the first cap, KCCA duo Muzamir Mutyaba and Mustafa Kizza then scored after the break to seal the victory for the visitors.
The goals came in the 13th, 83rd and 88th minutes respectively. Mutyaba got the best opening chance but his free kick was inches wide.
The Cranes were dominant in possession and Fahd Bayo almost doubled lead before the break had his effort not been saved by Burundi’s goalkeeper Onesime Rukundo to keep the score at 1-0.
In the 72nd minute, KCCA forward Mike Mutyaba replaced Shafik Kagimu to mark his return to the national colors since 2014. The two sides will face off again in the return leg on October 18 at the StarTimes stadium, Lugogo.
The Abdullah Mubiru’s side only needs a draw or less than 3-goal defeat to qualify for the tournament finals due January and February, 2020 in Cameroon.
Uganda Cranes XI
Charles Lukwago (GK), Paul Willa, Mustafa Kizza, John Revita, Halid Lwaliwa, Nicholas Kasozi, Muzamir Mutyaba (Cpt), Allan Okello (Bright Anukani 60’), Shafiq Kagimu (Mike Mutyaba 72’), Fahad Bayo, Viane Sekajugo