Uganda, Kenya in Group K victories
Uganda maintained their place at top of Group J of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers thanks to a 1-0 victory of Guinea-Bissau on Saturday. (Photo: McDonald Mariga scored the winner for Kenya but was sent off)
Scotland-based David Obua scored the only goal of the game in the first half.
The striker scored in the 22nd minute to keep Uganda at the summit of the group with seven points.
The win means they are on course for a place at the continental showpiece for the first time since 1978.
Meanwhile in the group’s other game on Saturday, Kenya kept alive their chances of qualifying for thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Angola.
McDonald Mariga went from hero to villain as he scored the winner at the death but was sent off soon grabbing the winner.
Angola opened the scoring on 20 minutes when Manucho fired past goalkeeper Arnold Origi.
Kenya’s changes after the break made the desired impact as substitute Jamal Mohammed drew the home side level.
The Kuwait-based striker pounced on a rebound to beat goalkeeper Luis Jaoa in the Angolan post.
With the game heading for a disappointing draw for the home side, Inter Milan’s Mariga step up and fired from 30 yards to send the fans into delirium.
The Inter Milan player was shown his second yellow card of the game and sent off for a taking off his shirt as he celebrated with gusto.
Even though the Harambee Stars will miss Mariga for their next match against Guinea Bissau in June, Kenya coach Zedekiah Otieno was delighted with their performance.
“This is a great day for me and I thank God. The players were definitely at their best and we deserved the win,” Otieno said.
Angola coach Lito Vidigal of Angola admits Kenya deserved to win the game.
He said: “We lost our chances and Harambee stars came back fighting hard they deserved the win.”
The victory moves Kenya second on the table with four points, one more than bottom side Angola.
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