Malawi 1-0 Uganda
Uganda Cranes missed out on making a third successive appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Malawi on Monday in Blantyre.
Richard Mbulu’s 15th minute diving header past goalkeeper Dennis Onyango Masinde saw Malawi Flames accelerate to Cameroon at Kamuzu stadium.
Robin Ngalande released right back Stanley Sanudi on the right flank before the latter laid a brilliant cross that met Mbulu who pocked home past Onyango in the top right corner.
The Cranes narrowly drew matters level but Emmanuel Arnold Okwi’s stunning shot in the area was thwarted to the upright for a timely clearance while center referee Celso Armindo turned down the forward’s penalty appeal.
Defender Ronald Mukiibi was later substituted for Gavin Kizito Mugweri towards recess before Taddeo Lwanga and Allan Okello replaced Mike Azira and Farouk Miya from recess.
Head coach Abdallah Mubiru later introduced striker Yunus Sentamu for Ibrahim Orit but the hosts were solid in defense and held nerves with time wasting tactics for the desired result.
Malawi progresses to AFCON for the second time adding to their 1984 and 2010 appearences. They join Burkina Faso that had earlier qualified from group B after a barren draw with the CECAFA giants last Saturday at Kitende.
Team Line Ups:
Malawi
Earnest Kakhobwe (GK), Stanley Sanudi, Charles Petro, Richard Mbulu, Alfred Manyozo Junior, Precious Sambani, Peter Banda, Robin Ngalande, John Banda, Revison Maganizo, Mzava Limbaikani
Substitutes: Brighton Munthali, Peter Cholopi, Chikoti Chirwa, Vincent Nyasulu, Chimwemwe Idana, Frank Gabadihno, Rafiq Namwera, Kaira Chimango, Francisco Madinga, Mhone Micium
Uganda Cranes
Denis Onyango (GK), Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Benson Ochaya, Ronald Brian Mukiibi Ddungu, Murushid Juuko, Mike Azira, Moses Waiswa, Ibrahim Orit, Faruku Miya, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Mustafa Kizza
Substitutes: Salim Jamal (G.K), Charles Lukwago (G.K), William Luwagga Kizito, Daniel Isiagi Opolot, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Allan Kyambadde, Abdul Lumala, Allan Okello, Yunus Sentamu, Taddeo Lwanga, Gavin Kizito
