September 5 – Uganda have ended almost four decades in the wilderness by qualifying for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.
The Ugandans reached the finals in 1978 when they were beaten in the final by hosts Ghana but a 1-0 win over Comoros on Sunday secured their spot in next year’s competition as one of the two best group runners-up as they finished second behind Burkino Faso.
A last-minute winner from Banou Diawara ensured Burkina topped Group D with a 2-1 home victory over nine-man Botswana. Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo and Tunisia filled the other three berths decided on the last day of qualifying.
Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Morocco, Senegal and Zimbabwe had all booked their places before the weekend and they were also joined by holders Ivory Coast who drew 1-1 at home to Sierra Leone, a moral victory for the visitors, for so long playing catch-up because of the Ebola virus but also a massive disappointment given that victory would have secured qualification for the first time in 20 years.
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