Africa Cup of Nations 2019: Uganda claim opening 2-0 victory over DR Congo
- Published
Kampala Capital City Authority striker Patrick Kaddu scored his second goal in seven appearances for Uganda
Uganda recorded their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 41 years as they pulled off a surprise win over DR Congo in Group A in Egypt.
The Cranes' 23-year-old forward Patrick Kaddu opened the scoring, heading in from a corner after a well-timed run to the near post after 14 minutes.
Strike partner Emmanuel Okwi's glancing header from a free-kick then doubled the lead three minutes after half-time.
Egypt defeated Zimbabwe 1-0 in the tournament's opening match on Friday.
Uganda lost all three group matches in 2017, in what was their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance since finishing runners-up in 1978.
In Cairo on Saturday, the lively Kaddu had two great opportunities to add to his tally with first-half headers, while team-mate Khalid Aucho saw a powerful long-range effort saved by DR Congo's Ley Matampi.
Substitute Jonathan Bolingi had the best opportunity for two-time champions DR Congo - whose starting XI included West Ham's Arthur Masuaku and Everton's Yannick Bolasie - but the Antwerp forward's header struck the top of the crossbar.
Next, Uganda will face Zimbabwe on Wednesday (18:00 BST), while DR Congo take on Egypt later that day (21:00 BST).
Analysis
By BBC Swahili's Salim Kikeke
DR Congo were favourites going into the game against Uganda. You could even feel the Congolese mood before kick off. Their entrance was as colourful as usual, with their customary singing and dancing.
But after 90 minutes, the scoreboard had a result that will definitely cause a lot of anger in Kinshasa. The Leopards, two-time winners, did not show up.
The Cranes on the contrary arrived quietly, kept their cool and stuck to their game plan - which was to control the midfield. And that paid off. A first win is something every team needs for confidence.
Ugandans will be smiling every time they look at the Group A table at the moment. DR Congo, with an ageing squad, will be hoping for a better result next time out when they must deal with the small matter of the host nation.