Uganda Cranes break 38-yr jinx, qualify for Africa Cup of Nations
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By EADM Correspondent and Agencies.
Kampala, Uganda—The Belgian-based professional Farouk Miya scored the all-important goal on 37 minutes from a well-taken cross by prolific defender Joseph Ochaya to help Uganda Cranes qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of nations (Afcon) edition due in Gabon next February. The Uganda Cranes beat Comoros 1-0 in a Group D game played at Mandela National Stadium, Sunday to finally break the 38-year-old Afcon jinx and book a slot in the most competitive African soccer showpiece.
Uganda Cranes coach Micho is lifted by players after leading the team to Gabon (Photo: Observer Media Ltd)
Uganda qualified as one of the best teams to finish second, while Burkina Faso who beat visiting Botswana 2-1 qualified after topping the group. Both Uganda and Burkina Faso completed the qualifying matches with 13 points but Burkina Faso led the group because they beat Uganda 1-0 at home in the qualifier.
Some of the Cranes fans who turned up at Namboole to cheer the national team. (Photo: Observer Media Ltd)
The First lady and minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni graced the encounter as the chief guest. This might have as well been her first appearance in Namboole stadium for a national soccer game. From the Council for East and Central African Football Associations (Cecafa) region, Uganda is the only country that has qualified to play during next year's Afcon finals in Gabon. Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, Eritria, and Djibouti were all eliminated during the qualifying rounds.