African Nations Championship: Zambia defeat Zimbabwe 1-0, Uganda draws with Mali

Mali and Uganda Cranes settled for a 2-2 draw in the 2016 Africa Nations Championship tie played at the Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu District, Rwanda on Tuesday.

After 12 minutes, defender Jospeh Ochaya nodded in the first goal after a free kick taken by skipper Farouk Miya.

Malian goalie Djigui Diarra parried away Keiziron Kitizo’s right footed shot from about 30 metres in the 32nd minute.

Uganda were awarded a penalty after Erisa Sekisambu was brought down inside the box four minutes before the interval.

Uganda will play again on Friday against Zimbabwe while Zambia will meet Mali.

Farouk Miya stepped up to send Djigui Diarra the wrong way from the spot to put Uganda ahead.

The turning point for Mali was the introduction of Coulibaly and few minutes later he masterminded the equalizer, laying to Sinayoko who tapped into the yawning net.

Injured captain Uganda Miya was replaced by Muzamiru Mutyaba at the beginning of the second-half.

Ultimately, Group D clash between Uganda and Mali drew 2-2 and the two teams shared the spoils.

With eight minutes remaining, Mali then pushed forward, forcing Uganda’s substitute goalkeeper Kigonya to a desperate save in a one-on-one with Sinayoko.

But the loss of both their charismatic captain and their goalkeeper at the start of the tournament will be a major blow for Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic’s men.