Travis Mutyaba was the hero for Uganda as the Cranes overcame Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in the first leg of the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers.
In the game played on Sunday at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Mutyaba came off the bench to score the solitary strike towards the end of the game.
The decisive moment came in the 87th minute when the diminutive left footed forward won possession from defender Mohammed Hussein at the right wing, dribbled past another defender before firing the ball into the back of the net.
The win gives Uganda advantage over Tanzania in the tie ahead of the return leg slated for Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho started with the same lineup that drawn goalless against Ethiopia a week ago.
Nafian Alionzi started in goal with Gavin Kizito, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo and John Revita playing in the back line positions.
The opening stanza saw either side opt for a cautious approach and thus offered few scoring opportunities.
The second however saw Uganda dominate proceedings and indeed created the better scoring opportunities.
The introduction of Richard Basangwa, Saidi Kyeyune and Mutyaba offered more threat for Uganda upfront with the former troubling Tanzania’s centre backing pairing.
The lone goal of the game three minutes to time when Mato’s long ball was fumbled by Mohammed Hussein who thus offered opportunity for Mutyaba to win possession and strike home.
The winner on aggregate between Uganda and Tanzania will qualify for the final tournament slated for January next year in Algeria.
