The Uganda Under-20 national football teamââ¬â¢s 3-1 win over Ghana has put them in a fairly good position to make it through to the last phase of qualification for the 2013 African Youth Championship.
A brace from forward Julius Ogwang sandwiched by Joseph Mpandeââ¬â¢s finish was enough to see off the highly-fancied Ghanaians in the first round of qualification.
The Hippos had eliminated Mozambique 5-1 on aggregate in the preliminary round. However, it all started on a sour note at Nakivubo stadium when Ugandan skipper Yusuf Mukisa gifted Ghana the lead with a miscued clearance after just five minutes.
However, Paul Nkataââ¬â¢s boys didnââ¬â¢t panic and pressed on. For one, Joseph Ocaya looked meticulous at left-back with his dribbling and passing.
His forays upfront would have raised the rooftop of Nakivubo if only the stadium had one. But on several occasions fans got out of their seats to cheer on his expressive and confident play.
Meanwhile, Vietnam-based Geoffrey Kizito didnââ¬â¢t have the same wow effect but his decisiveness and control of midfield, coupled with power that subjugated Ghanaââ¬â¢s midfield from passing, make him a good bet for a Cranes call-up in the near future.
Generally, the whole team played well and Ghana coach Maxwell Konadu admitted as much although he remained optimistic his team would turn the tables in the return leg.
Coach Nkata remains cautious and maintains his team still have a lot to do because it will be a different ball game away in a fortnightââ¬â¢s time.
The winner of the tie will most likely face Morocco â⬓ 4-0 winners over Gambia in the last phase of qualification.
John Vianney Nsimbe, Observer