Warriors dumped out of Cecafa

Uganda  1 - 0 Zimbabwe
ZIMBABWE'S campaign at the Cecafa Tuskers Senior Challenge Cup came to a dead end when they succumbed to Uganda in a lively quarter-final tie in Dar-es-Salaam yesterday.

The Warriors fell to a Hamis Kiiza header when the Cranes took advantage of a defensive lapse in the 15th minute and sealed a semi-final berth against hosts Tanzania.

Kiiza, who is usually used as a substitute, repaid coach Bobby Williamson's faith in him, after getting to the end of a well weighted cross from Sula Matovu.

Norman Mapeza's development side, who had done well to reach the knockout stages, matched the Cranes in the early exchanges but there was little to separate them until after a quarter of an hour gone.

However, Zimbabwe were made to chase the ball for longer periods with few clear chances coming their way.

Donald Ngoma, who played as a lone striker, was stranded in the opposition half most of the time until he was pulled out for Leonard Fiyado in the 75th minute.

The Cranes skipper Andy Mwesigwa, who missed the last group game against Burundi, made his presence felt as he was solid at the back and was also involved in the goal.

The FC Ordabasy defender won the ball from his half, raced past two Zimbabweans before releasing Matovu on the left where Tapiwa Khumbuyani was having a difficult game.

The Warriors' rightback was clearly not at his usual best and should take the flak for the goal after failing to control a harmless looking ball that ended in the path of Matovu.

The Cranes' winger gratefully collected the ball and swung a high ball into the penalty area as Zimbabwe's defenders back-pedalled.

His cross found Kiiza at the far post and the Young Africans striker's header beat goalkeeper George Chigova, with a little aid from the foot of captain Daniel Veremu who had rushed in to clear the lines.

Seven minutes later Mwesigwa's header from a Tonny Mawejje free kick was well saved by Chigova.

Zimbabwe's best attack of the half came in the 26th minute when Ngoma advanced in the area after beating Godfrey Walusimbi and Isaac Isinde but Mwesigwa cleared from danger.

Cranes' goalkeeper Abel Dhaira had little to do on his return from a bout of malaria.

Mike Sserumaga should have taken Uganda to the break 2-0 up but his shot after expertly collecting a pass from Matovu just ratcheted the cross bar. The Warriors returned from the break in much better shape with Ngoma, Charles Sibanda, Khumbuyani and Benjamin Marere all having a go at the Cranes backline.

Mawejje forced a fine save from Chigova on 53 minutes but the first real chance of the second half came seven minutes later when Marere beat Walusimbi on the left.

Sibanda should have done better as his weak shot was easily saved by Dhaira.

Marere's shot, on the hour mark, just went over after connecting a clever free-kick from Sibanda at the edge of the box.

Zimbabwe were having the momentum now and Sibanda was running rings around Walusimbi and Isinde.

But Sibanda's intended loop after Mwesigwa and Isinde were beaten on 68 minutes went over and above in what was the best chance for the Warriors to draw level.

Bobby had to make his final substitution, bringing on Patrick Ochan in place of tired Sserumaga and the TP Mazembe midfielder should have put the game to bed with four minutes to go but his shot from six yards was cleared away.

The Cranes held on and will now face Tanzania in the semi-final tomorrow.

Zimbabwe
G. Chigova, T. Khumbuyani, Q. Amini, T. Mamvura, D. Veremu, J. Jam (T. Tshuma, 80th minute), J. Ngodzo, C. Sibanda, B. Marere, D. Ngoma (L. Fiyado, 75th minute), R. Kutsanzira (C. Sekete, 65th minute)