The Uganda Cranes kept alive their hopes of reaching the final qualification round to the 202 World Cup in Qatar by picking up their first win of the campaign on Thursday.
The Cranes defeated Rwanda 1-0 to move into second position on the log with five points, two behind leaders Mali after three games.
The result was the Cranes’ first away victory in Rwanda but most importantly breathe new life into their qualification campaign.
Fahad Bayo got the all-important goal in the 41st minute reacting fastest after Bobosi Byaruhanga’s effort was parried away by the goalkeeper with the Rwandan defence slow to clear the lines.
The Israel-based striker who had missed the opening two fixtures then pounced forcing the ball home with just a yard over the line to the delight of coach Milutin Micho Sredojevic.
"It wasn't an easy match against Rwanda with their tactical coach Vincent Mashami.We had problems stopping them in the wide areas with Haruna Niyonzima and Jacques Tuyisenge. To score a goal against Uganda is not easy and I'm happy we limited their damage," Micho told the press after the game played in Kigali.
Micho named a starting team that included four home based players with Express captain Enoch Walusimbi starting in central defence while forward Martin Kiiza came late on.
The result could have been even better for the Cranes with striker Steven Mukwala missing two goal-scoring opportunities.
The first was an air-kick after being set up by Moses Waiswa while the second was a diving header sent over the bar from a perfect Isaac Muleme delivery.
But the Cranes managed to hold on for the famous win against their neighbours who they play again in the return fixture at the St. Mary’s stadium in Kitende on Sunday.
Mali meanwhile thumped Kenya 5-0 in the other match-day three game in the group.