Uganda Cranes’ goal-less home stalemate with Burkina Faso at the St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende during round 5 of the Total AFCON 2021 qualifiers leaves the CECAFA giants on the brick of qualification, pending the last away game with Malawi next Monday.

A draw means Burkina Faso remain top of Group B and qualify for the AFCON in Cameroon with a game to play against South Sudan in Ouagadougou.

The Cranes staged a gallant display especially in the second half and had midfielder Ibrahim Orit hit the woodwork off Faruku Miya’s corner kick.

The opening stanza had produced half chances through Miya, Patrick Henry Kaddu and Emmanuel Okwi.

At the start of the second half, Orit replaced winger Abdul Lumala and offensive midfielder Moses Waiswa came on for Mike Azira as the Uganda Cranes intensified their raids towards the opposition goal.

Fahad Azizi Bayo took over the place for the injured Patrick Henry Kaddu towards the hour mark.

Uganda Cranes best chance of the game came on 69 minutes when Orit rose highest to nod Miya’s curling corner kick onto the cross bar.

Waiswa’s industriousness had the Cranes raid the opposition although with no breakthrough.

Miya twice had an opportunity to score but was fluffed by the Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve.

Meanwhile, Uganda and Malawi will face off in a grand finale next Monday for the remaining slot.

Malawi beat South Sudan 1-0 in Khartoum to make 7 points. South Sudan bows out of the qualifiers.

Uganda Cranes will resume preparations for the Malawi clash on Thursday ahead of the chartered flight set to depart on Sunday.

Soka25east.com