The Cranes of Uganda pulled off
the first surprise of the AFCON tournament, defeating the Leopards of
Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 at the Cairo International stadium on Saturday
to lead Group A ahead of hosts, Egypt.
The win was the East African
country’s first since 1978 AFCON tournament held in Ghana, where they defeated
the Super Eagles (then Green Eagles) of Nigeria 2-1 in the semi finals, before
succumbing to host, Ghana.
Uganda, 94th in FIFA rankings,
earned an unlikely victory against star-studded Congo DR ranked 49th, through
two well-delivered set pieces from Farouk Miya, Croatia-based 21-year-old
midfielder, in the first half.
The Gorica FC player found the
head of Patrick Kaddu in the 14th minute from a corner kick. The striker timed
his run to perfection at the near post to hand Uganda the lead. Three minutes
from half-time, the lead was doubled through strike partner, Emmanuel Okwi. The
Simba FC striker’s glancing header from Miya’s free kick delivery sealed an
unlikely victory.
Uganda would look to seal
qualification in their next game against Zimbabwe, while Congo DR will fight
for their lives against the Pharaohs of Egypt.
In Group B, Odion Ighalo’s 77th
minute goal helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria overcome a stubborn and
impressive Burundi. The Swallows, in their first ever AFCON appearance, were
denied the lead on two occasions by Eagles’ shaky goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi,
who twice saved brilliantly.
Nigeria’s substitutes eventually
stretched Burundi who could not swallow more, with Ighalo, highest goalscorer
in AFCON qualifiers, delivering the sucker punch.
The Burundians will next play
fellow debutants, Madagascar, who were held from causing another upset against
Guinea — the match ending in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Star-studded Syli nationale of
Guinea took a 34th minute lead through striker, Sory Kaba, who rounded the
goalkeeper before dispatching into an empty net.
The Barea of Madagascar, however,
kept on pushing against their more experienced opponents and got a just reward
with two goals in six, early, second half minutes. Aniset Adrianantenaina
headed in Madagascar’s first ever AFCON goal in the 49th minute, and Charles
Adriamahitsinoro’s shot found the bottom corner to hand the 108-ranked island
nation a surprise lead on 55 minutes.
The West African nation would
equalize 11 minutes later through Francois Kamano’s penalty kick awarded for a
poorly-timed tackle. Guinea pressed for a winner but had to settle for a draw
which earned Madagascar their first ever AFCON point. Nigeria and Guinea meet
in the next round of Group B games on Wednesday.
AFCON DAY 2 RESULTS
Group A: DR Congo 0-2 Uganda
Group B: Nigeria 1-0 Burundi
Group B: Guinea 2-2 Madagascar
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