Uganda Cranes Fail To Qualify For AFCON 2021
March 29, 2021
Uganda Cranes XI Vs Malawi
Uganda Cranes have failed to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations 2021 finals that will take place in Cameroon after losing 1-0 against Malawi in Blantyre.
Uganda Cranes went into the match looking for a point after a goalless draw against Burkina Faso at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende last week.
Ricahard Mbulu’s diving header in 15th minute sealed the win for Malawi and booked a place to play in the 2021 finals for the first time since 2010.
Uganda Cranes had a penalty appeal in the 28th minute when Emmanuel Arnold Okwi was brought down in the goal area but was turned down by Mozambican referee, Celso Armido Alvacao.
Uganda Cranes lost defender Brian Ronald Mukiibi Ddungu through injury.
His place to partner Murushid Juuko in central defence was taken by the Uganda U-20 captain Garvin Kizito Mugweri towards the end of opening half for his senior debut.
Ten minutes into the second half, Uganda Cranes technical team made a double change.
Midfielder Tadeo Lwanga and Allan Okello were brought on for Mike Azira and Faruku Miya respectively.
On the hour mark, Vipers’ striker Yunus Ssentamu was introduced for club-mate Ibrahim Orit.
Uganda Cranes desperately attacked the Malawi backline to secure a point but in vain.
FUFA’s gamble has failed to materialise. After 1-0 loss against South Sudan Afcon qualifiers last November, they started rethinking if Jonny McKinstry was the right man to take Cranes third consecutive Afcon finals following 2017 in Gabon and 2019 in Egypt.
In March, Jonny McKinstry was suspended by FUFA from 2nd- 31st March 2021 and appointed assistant coaches, Mubiru Abdallah, Mbabazi Livingstone and goalkeeping coach Kajoba Fred.
Their first match in charge was against Burkina Faso and registered a goalless draw, followed by today’s 1-0 loss against Malawi.
Malawi joins Burkina Faso as the two successful countries from Group B to the 2021 AFCON finals that will be hosted by Cameroon in January 2022.
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