CAIRO, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Uganda beat Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 in their Group A opener of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.
The Ugandans were clearly the better side in the opening half, dominating against the Congolese who seemed to have slowed down on their usual flair and fast paced game.
Patrick Kaddu, whose goal ensured Uganda earned a place at the AFCON 2019, scored the opener, sneaking in at the near post to glance home a well curled corner from Faruku Miya 14 minutes into the game.
Uganda won the set piece after Marcel Tisserand had deflected an Abdul Lumala cross from the right taking it away from Kaddu who was lurking at the edge of the six yard box.
Kaddu also had two other brilliant chances at goal to extend Uganda's lead.
DR Congo were limited in their scoring chances and on the half hour mark they had a half chance when a corner was floated to Yannick Bolasie's direction, but he could not get a clean header on target.
Uganda then doubled their score three minutes into the second half as another catastrophic piece of defending by the Leopards off a Miya freekick seeing Okwi rise from just outside the six yard box and plant his header beyond goalkeeper Ley Matampi Matampi.
Eight minutes later, Matampi redeemed himself with a brilliant save leaping to his right to tip over Miya's ferocious freekick from range behind for a corner.
DR Congo coach Florent Ibenge made changes, Jose Mpoku coming off for Jonathan Bolingi while Chancel Mbemba was hauled off for Jacques Maghoma, a move aimed at stabilizing a midfield that was dominated by the Ugandans.
Uganda will next face Zimbabwe next Wednesday while DR Congo face a hilly task against hosts Egypt who won their opening match 1-0 against Zimbabwe on Friday night.
The AFCON kicked off Friday and will go through July 19 where 24 African teams will fight for the most prestigious football title in Africa. Enditem
