KCCA FC central attacker Patrick Henry Kaddu and Simba’s Emmanuel Okwi both know what taking half a chance is in football and the pair did exactly that against DRC to send Uganda Cranes top of Group A in the AFCIN opener.
Kaddu rose high to beat opponents and direct the ball home for the lone goal of the first half after what was a bright start to the Group A encounter for Uganda Cranes.
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Cranes were clearly the favourites in the first half with Khalid Aucho, Jose Mpoku missing what were the closest chances of the 45 minutes.
DRC however seemed to attempt a comeback towards the end of the half with great attacks and a painfully missed a golden chance in the 43rd minute by Cedric Bakambu with Denis Onyango showing great character to save.
There was a moment of controversy after Farouk Miya appeared to have been tripped by Congo keeper Matampi in the box but the referee could hear none of that.
Do you think Farouk Miya’s fall after DR Congo's goalkeeper Ley Matampi intercepted him was worthy a penalty?
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Yannick Bolasie booked in the 45th minute after lengthy lamentation from a foul being the only card for the first half despite the high adrenaline match.
The second half started on an electrifying note with Uganda going for the kill. Efforts were rewarded three minutes in from a Farouk Miya freekick which Emmanuel Okwi rose to send home after scattering the Congo defence.
https://twitter.com/AFCON2019_en/status/1142457571950956544
Jonathan Bolingi thought he had launched a comeback in the 70th minute but his celebration was cut shot after his cheeky header was stopped by the upper post.
Okwi then danced into the Congo defense and created space before unleashing that shot that flew inches over the bar as the match stabilized towards the end.
STATS | Check out the full-time stats! Which team had the better overall performance? #TotalAFCON2019 #CODUGA pic.twitter.com/9Mju2dZA6K
— CAF (@CAF_Online) June 22, 2019
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