By James Ndikumana,

El Mereikh’s  Ugandan goalkeeper Omar Salim Mangoola was the hero for his side saving Azam’s Saint Preux Lionel  last penalty in a 4-3 post match penalty win after 0-0 full time score to romp into the semi final of the ongoing Cecafa Kagame cup on Wednesday evening.

The tense match saw  El Mereikh  substitute Allan Wanga come close to breaking the deadlock but his resultant shot was blocked back to play by Azam keeper Mwadin.

El Merreikh captain Elbasha Ahmed stepped up first but his shot was saved by Mwadin Ali Mwadin before Aggrey Morris Ambrosi gave the Tanzanian side a 1-0 lead.

Kenyan international Allan Wanga converted from the spot kick to level matters at 1-1 before Burundian Didier Kavumbagu stepped up to the occasion giving the ice cream makers a 2-1 lead.

Magdi Abdelatif levelled for El Merreikh but Erasto Edward Nyoni slipped the ball past Magoola to give Azam a 3-2 lead.

El Merreikh’s defender Ayman Said Mohamed then equalized for the Sudanese side to mount pressure on both sides that eyed victory.

Dependable defender Shomari Salum Kapombe’s shot hit the post to increase the anxiety in the Tanzanian camp especially as Ali Gafer Hussein netted to give El Merreikh a 4-3 lead. Magoola then saved Lionel’s penalty as El Merreikh emerged winners.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com