2019 Copa Da es Salaam Beach Soccer Tournament
After Extra Time: Tanzania 3 (0)- 3 (2) Uganda
Uganda Beach Soccer Team (Sand Cranes) toiled to an opening win against hosts Tanzania after extra time as the 2019 Copa Dar es Salaam Beach Soccer Tournament kicked off on Sunday. By the end of the three quarters, the teams were square 3-all while the extra three minutes were also not enough to separate them which led to penalties.
Lule Paul’s own goal gave the hosts an early lead before Davis Kasujja leveled for Uganda to end the opening quarter 1-1. Godfrey Lwesibawa headed Uganda in the lead but Jaruph Juma restored parity as the sides ended the second quarter 2-all.
Stephano Wales and Lule Paul scored for Tanzania and Uganda respectively during the third period. There was no other goal in the game as the two sides would then be separated by penalties. Godfrey Lwesibawa converted the first penalty for Uganda and skipper Meddie Kibirige saved Tanzania’s Abdulkadir Ally Tabib.
Magwali Ronald shot wide to give the hosts but Juma Sultan Ibrahim also shot wide before Byaruhanga Rica converted the last one for Sand Cranes that secured victory. Uganda sits second on the log with one point behind Seychelles that have 3 points after their first 6-3 win at Burundi.
Kibirige thanked teammates for the spirited fight whilst urging them to reserve the celebrations for the next match.
“It hasn’t been an easy encounter but a point from the hosts is enough for us to build on in our efforts to win the championship.” said Kibirige. The Sand Cranes return to the pitch on Tuesday against Burundi.
