Second half substitute Halid Lwaliwa’s 85th minute goal was enough to earn Uganda Cranes a crucial 1-0 win against South Sudan in a Total Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying match played on Thursday.
The Group B match played at the St. Marys Stadium, Kitende was not attended by fans because of the strict COVID-19 protocols.
Early in the first half David Sebit Omot had his free-kick saved by Uganda’s goalkeeper Dennis Onyango in the 10th minute, before Farouk Miya’s shot also missed the target for Uganda.
In the second half the South Sudan team continued to pill pressure on the Ugandan defenders through Tito Okello and Makueth Wol.
Lwaliwa who replaced injured Ronald Mukiibi made the different when he nodded home Uganda’s only goal after 85 minutes. Lwaliwa jumped and headed in a well taken Farouk Miya free-kick to beat South Sudan goalkeeper Ramadan John Mayik Diing.
Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry said although it was a difficult game, he is happy that the team picked maximum points.
South Sudan coach Ashu Cyprian Besong said they need to go back to the drawing board and prepare for the game on Monday against the Cranes in Nairobi.
South Sudan play in Kenya because their national Stadium in Juba is undergoing renovation.
