Uganda’s National Soccer Team Qualify for Africa Cup Tournament For First Time Since 1978

Ugandan national soccer team Cranes has qualified for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon for the first time in 39 years.

The Cranes made history yesterday evening following their momentous 1-0 win over Comoros at Namboole Stadium, Uganda.

Farouk Miya’s crucial goal on 34 minutes sent the fully-packed stadium into revels, which lasted all through the enthralling match.

However, the home side could not get another chance to double the lead despite their impressive performance in the second half.

Their persistent defense guaranteed them the all-important win, allowing them to finish the best group runners-up in Group D with 13 points.

The win means the Cranes will be participating in the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first since 1978. The international tournament will be held next year in Gabon between January 14 and February 5.

Other Qualifiers

Burkina Faso finished at the top of Group D with 13 points after they defeated their visitors Botswana with a 2-1 win.

It was, however, not an easy win for the hosts after Prejuce Nakoulma’s 18^th-minute opener was canceled by a Botswana’s equalizer from the penalty spot, according to the BBC.

Unfortunately, Botswana suffered a major setback after Lesego Galenamotlhale was sent off on 61 minutes and Kabelo Dambe on 88 minutes.

The hosts too had one of their players sent off a few minutes into extra time but Banou Diawara managed to find the net a few moments later, giving Burkinabe the three points.

Although Uganda and Burkina Faso finished with a 13-points tie, Burkina Faso’s impressive head-to-head record over the Cranes put them at top of the group.

It was a major achievement for Micho Sredejovic’s side to qualify for AFCON for the first time in more than three decades.

Sixteen teams will be competing at the next year’s tournament, which will include the 13 group winners, two best group runners-up, and the host Gabon.