Uganda Upset Nigeria

Two second half penalties allowed Uganda an upset 2-1 win over Nigeria in their MTN Africa Cup of Nations Group Three qualifier in Kampala on Saturday.

Egyptian based striker Geoffrey Massa won both penalties, the first fortuitous but the second more legitimate-looking as they came from a goal down at half-time to revive their hopes of qualifying for the Nations Cup finals in Ghana next January.

David Obua converted the first kick in the 52nd minute but limped off with injury just five minutes later as Egypt referee Essam Abdelfattah punished Rabiu Afolabi for a legitimate looking challenge on Massa.

 
Uganda captain Ibrahim Ssekagya scored the winner in the 65th minute after Massa had been brought down by Nigeria goalkeeper Austin Ejide.

The Super Eagles, who lost their 100 percent record and conceded their first goal in the qualifiers, had taken a 25th minute through French-based striker John Utaka, after he ran onto a perfect through ball from captain Nwankwo Kanu.

Middlesborough striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni had several half chances in closing stages after Uganda midfielder Noel Kasule was sent off in the 73rd minute for a second caution.

Nigeria play away next in Niamey against neighbours Niger on June 17 while Uganda travel to Lesotho for their next game the same day in the next round of qualifiers.