Uganda eliminates Rwanda in 2017 Africa U-20 Championship qualifier

Host Uganda qualified for the second round of the 2017 Africa U-20 Championship after beating Rwanda on Saturday.

Uganda ejected Rwanda 2-1 in the return leg played at the Mandela National Stadium in the outskirts of the capital Kampala.

After the 1-1 draw in the first leg in Kigali two weeks ago, the visitors promised to cause an upset in Kampala but failed to stand by their word.

Rwanda took an early lead with Abddey Biramahire scoring in the 17th minute with a clean header after some poor defending by the Ugandan.

Three minutes later the host leveled matters with Zake Luboyera' s good strike.

In the second half Luboyera netted his second goal of the day to give Uganda the lead in-front of a small crowd.

Uganda continued to put pressure in search of more goals and Muhammed Shaban good shot after 78 minutes was saved by the Rwanda goalkeeper.

After 80 minutes Uganda' s two goal hero Luboyera was replaced by Julius Poloto.

"We started so poorly but later settled and started playing good football," Uganda' s coach Kefa Kisala told Xinhua after the game.

Rwanda' s head coach Jean Baptist Kayiranga said they failed to capitalize on the early lead.

"I think my defenders made some poor judgements," added the Rwanda coach.

Uganda' s team who qualified on a 3-2 goal aggregate now progress to the next stage to face Egypt.

Seven teams will emerge from the qualifiers to join hosts Zambia for the tournament scheduled for Feb 16- March 13. Endit