AFCON Qualifiers 2021: Burkina Faso frustrate Uganda Cranes at Kitende

Uganda Cranes failed to grab critical African Cup of Nations qualification points after Burkina Faso frustrated them to a 0-0 draw at St Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday.

The East African giants needed the win against the West Africans that would have taken them close to a third straight qualification for the continental competition.

However, the draw means that Burkina Faso qualify from Group B, while Uganda and Malawi, who defeated South Sudan 1-0 in Omdurman, must now face a ‘play-off’ to decide who progresses.

The two sides will meet in Lilongwe on March 29, where a win will take Malawi through, and a draw or a Uganda victory would see the Cranes qualify.

Burkina Faso were the first side to threaten their rivals with Barros Bayala’s shot getting blocked in the 10th minute.

Patrick Kaddu would have done better in the 13th minute when he received a swinging cross by Farouk Miya but the forward missed the ball entirely to waste Uganda’s first open chance.

Uganda tried several chances on Burkina Faso’s goal but they failed to break the deadlock.

Uganda XI: Dennis Onyango (Goalkeeper – Captain), Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Halid Lwaliwa, Murushid Juuko, Taddeo Lwanga, Abdu Lumala, Mike Azira, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Emmanuel Okwi, Faruku Miya

Burkina Faso XI: Herver Koffi Kouakou, Steeve Yago, Edmund Faycial Tabsoba, Issoufou Dayo, Issa Kabore, Abdou Razack Traore, Kevine Bryan Dabo, Charles Kabore, Bertrand Traore, Mohammed Konate, Cyrille Bayala.