Uganda Cubs lose 2 – 0 to Zambia

By Swalley Kenyi

Africa Youth Championship qualifiers, Zambia vs Uganda

Zambia 2 – 0 Uganda 

Uganda Cubs matched physically bigger and stronger Young Chipolopolo of Zambia in the first leg of the third round match of the Africa Youth U-17 Championships despite the 2-0 defeat at Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka on Friday.

Young Chipolopolo skipper Patson Daka, who also turns out for Zambian Premier League club Nchanga Rangers put the home side in the lead midway in the first half before midfielder Edwin Chipile headed in to double the margin from a second half corner kick.

But the Cubs continued to squeeze the Zambians and at one point squeezed their opponents into six consecutive corner kicks in the second half with the ball twice cleared off the line.

The Uganda Cubs head coach Matia Lule said after the match that, “the boys did all they had to do but the day was not ours to win. But I’m hopeful we’ll sort out ourselves in Kampala (in the return leg in fortnight)”.

In the first half Uganda Cubs fought diligently and saw Mohammed Shaban hit the pole in the 31st minute of play before missing added time opportunity just as Charles Sebutinde to end the session trailing 1-0.

Generally the Uganda Cubs were only let down as they could not contain the physically bigger and stronger Zambians at home.

The Young Chipolopolo coach Chris Kaunda has now promised to seal their place for the U-17 Africa Youth Championships in Kampala in a fortnight.

The 16th edition of the U-17 Africa Youth Championships will feature eight teams battling for the title in Niger starting next February.

SOURCE : http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/659707-uganda-cubs-lose-2-0-to-zambia.html

Picture credit – FAZ