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By Fred Kaweesi
International result
Uganda 2 Malawi 1
TWO wonder goals, a fairly impressive game, Uganda Cranes’ unbeaten run at Namboole since 2005 preserved. Who says you do not get full value for your money?
The notable crowd that turned up at Namboole Stadium yesterday certainly did after watching Bobby Williamson’s side overturn an early deficit to condemn a star-studded Malawi side to a 2-1 international friendly match defeat.
Brilliantly exploiting the precious feet of Brian Umony and Patrick Ochan in the 44th minute and 57th minute respectively, the Cranes comfortably dealt with Malawi to stretch Williamson’s unbeaten run since assuming Cranes top coaching seat to nine matches. No one should bet against Williamson’s defensively sound, quick-thinking and fast-breaking side.
Cranes’ reserve strikers must be wondering about their futures in this starting team because such is the excellence of Umony that there are no two ways about his status in this team.
The visitors stunned the Cranes with a 37th minute goal through Atusaye Nyondo. The Malawian forward took advantage of a lack of communication between defender Musa Doka and goalkeeper Hamza Muwonge to stroll home after the pair had collided yards from the six-yard.
That was supposed to be a mental set-back but not for a side with Umony within its ranks.
The 2008 Nile Special Footballer of the Year yet again justified his status and provided that formidable and timely break for the Cranes.
Umony capitalized on a loose ball that teammate Ochan had struggled to control, just at the edge of the box to thump home from 20-yards with such velocity that the Malawian bench could only look on in admiration.
From this moment, the visitors were there for the taking, revealing rough edges right at the start of the second half and could have lost complete identity had Emma Okwi converted a goal-bound opportunity that needed the slightest of headers early in the second half.
Cranes were largely the better side after the break and were due their second. As wonder goals go, Ochan’s second for the Cranes could not have come better.
The lanky midfielder played a series of one-twos with Steven Bengo past three flat-footed players before directing a cracker past hapless goalkeeper Swadick Samudi. It was Cranes’ second consecutive win after their 2-0 win over Sudan earlier.
Published on: Saturday, 21st March, 2009
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