Uganda secured a late win over Burundi as the two teams faced off on Sunday at Hamz Stadium in the return leg of the 2024 African Nations Champions (CHAN) Qualifiers.
Substitute Hakim Kiwanuka scored the lone goal of the game at the death of the clock with his deflected strike heading goal-way. The win meant Uganda secured victories against Burundi both home and away. It should be noted that the Cranes won the reverse fixture with ab identical score thanks to Isaac Ogwang’s goal.
Uganda coach Paul Put rang changes from the team that had started three days ago. Gideon Odong started at left back in place of Derrick Ndahiro. Joel Sserunjogi and Milton Karisa replaced Paul Mbowa and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza respectively.
The opening quarter was a bit sloppy from either side, and the first realistic opportunity arrived in the 17th minute when Karisa’s cross met Jude Ssemugabi but his headed effort sailed wide. Three minutes later, goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa was quick to rush off his goal line to deny a Burundi player.
At the start of the second half, coach Put brought on Patrick Jonah Kakande in place of injured Jude Ssemugabi. His arrival came with improvement for Uganda Cranes with the winger wrecking havoc.
Kakande had an attempt at goal in the 49th minute but the goalkeeper was well stationed to save. Okello jumped high in the 52nd minute but his headed effort went wide. Ten minutes later, Isaac Ogwang had a glorious opportunity when he went through on goal but his effort was saved.
Coach Put made further changes, bringing on Kiwanuka and Ivan Ahimbisibwe for Allan Okello and Ogwang respectively. In the first minute of the four added time, Kiwanuka’s rebound reflected off Burundi defender Olivier Dushime and went to the back of the net.
The two games are part of Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming 2024 CHAN tournament that will be co-hosted by Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.
