KAMPALA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Uganda Cranes on Saturday qualified for the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) on aggregated win although they lost to hosts Rwanda in the second leg of qualifying round.
The Cranes lost 2-0 away in Kigali to hosts Rwanda, but qualified on an aggregated 3-2 win.
"It was a bad start because we conceded two goals in 20 minutes. But I thank the boys for fighting back against a physically strong Rwanda side," coach Moses Basena told Xinhua on phone.
Yannick Mukunzi scored the opening goal after nine minutes from a corner before defender Thierry Manzi headed in the second after 16 minutes.
The Cranes fought to defend in numbers at the Nyamirambo Stadium.
Moses Magogo, president of the Uganda FA said he was happy that the national team qualified for yet another CHAN tournament.
"This is testimony that we are working hard because we have been at the CHAN tournament now for three straight times," he added.
Uganda played at the 2011 (Sudan), 2014 (South Africa) and 2016 (Rwanda) CHAN events before.
The CHAN tournament is played among local players featuring in the national leagues in their respective clubs in Africa.
Democratic Republic of Congo are the defending champions of the CHAN trophy.
