The Cranes surprised their hosts with a fourth minute goal that was clearly very “soft”. Mike Serumaga took a curving free kick from the edge of the penalty box on the right flank and Lawrence Webo made a farcical attempt to save it but it dipped over him.

Many often criticize Kenya striker John Baraza’s lethargic movement but on the day he showed why he can be the coolest player in the country while inside the six-yard box. Baraza calmly guided in a cross from the left flank in the 63rd minute. He scored the second when he again coolly rose above everyone else to head over the Cranes’ goalie Hamza Muwonge.

In contrast, lack of nerve showed in, ironically, one of the team’s most experienced players when Julius “Awillo” Owino made a mess of a Kenyan penalty kick . Owino feebly guided the ball towards the right and Muwonge was able to reach it, pushing it off the upright before his defence scrambled it out for a corner.

Teams:-

KENYA - 12. Lawrence Webo (AFC Leopards): 4. Julius “Awillo” Owino (Gor Mahia), 3. Hussein Mohammed (Ulinzi Stars), 2. James Mulinge (Ulinzi Stars), 5. Edgar Ochieng’ (Sofapaka), 17. James Situma (Sofapaka), 17. Humphrey Mieno Ochieng’ (Sofapaka/7. Peter Opiyo – Gor Mahia, 72’), 13. Edward Kauka (Posta Rangers/Paul Were - Tusker, 44’), 9. John Baraza (Sofapaka),, 16. Kevin Omondi (Gor Mahia), 10. Ramdhan Balala (Western Stima/25.George Odhiambo – Gor Mahia, 47’)

Reserves not used - Wilson Obungu (Sofapaka), Pascal Ochieng’ (Posta Rangers), 15. Jockins Atudo (Tusker)

Scorer - 9. John Baraza (63’, 76’)

Coach - Twahir Muhidin

UGANDA - 12. Hamza Muwonge: 17. Masaba, 6. Godfrey Walusimbi, 4. Isaac Isinde, 3. Jimmy Mukubya, 26. Merko Kaweesa, 15. Mike Sserumaga, 13.Tony Oduor, 10. Sula Matovu (14. Robert Kimuli, 76’), 11. Peter Senyonyo (9. Hamza Kiseka, 52’). 8. Mude Muse

Reserves not used - 20. Dan Walubya, 16. John Semakula, 18. Owen Kasule, 7. Ceasar Okhuti, 16. M. Semakula

Scorer - 15. Mike Sserumaga (4')

Coach - Bobby Williamson (Scotland)

Referee - Benstrong Jourdan (Seychelles)

Source: www.kpl.co.ke