Immediately after the fixture change was made everyone knew it would be a tough match. Uganda Cranes are never an easy team but this is the best way to test the team’s progress. It was not a surprise when some players feigned lateness so that they do not start the match. However, the beautiful game has to be played. Donning the Masoni yellow and black Babu started in goal with Captain Intelligence starting with 15 minute man Kamdam with Droopy and Rasco covering the fullback. When the game is tough you can call on Aboutrika and that’s when all CDM pretenders to the thrown have to play other positions. Anyway mobile Jemo and Chubar supported Abou with Doobiz and Drury on the flanks. Zlatan tasked the tasks to finish up front. With Sisco selecting not to start and the coach out of option, the formation offered a more defensive unit rather than an attacking unit. The Cranes started the ball and attacked almost immediately. The move ended with Droopy winning the ball before setting up Captain IQ to initiate Parkland’s first attack, but his short pass was only good enough for Chubar to control the ball for the opponent. The first time Donaruma Babu was picking the ball was by retrieving it from the back of the net. That goal set the mood of the game as the Parklands failed to control the midfield with the Cranes proving dominant with their quick passes and overlapping runs. A quick corner by the Cranes resulted in confusion between Babu and Captain IQ with pressure from the opponent resulting in an own goal by the captain. Parklands were quick to cut the deficit with their first string of passes that did not involve a long ball. Initiated by Captain IQ to Droopy who controlled and did well to find Drury who linked up with Jemo who receive support from Chubar to release an overlapping Rasco who was on hand to unleash a fierce shot at the goalkeeper. Too hot to handle the keeper-gifted Top Striker Doobiz who continued to shut up haters by poking the ball into the empty net. Another goal for the Southampton strikers. In a first half marked with errors and lapse in concentration, it was a contentious offside call with Babu failing to react to a through ball with the Cranes finishing easily to restore their 2 lead cushion. As Parklands protested the referees’ decision the Cranes celebrated the goal. Parklands continued to struggle with half chances unable to contain the cranes midfield with the Cranes finishing the half stronger. A well-worked free-kick routine caught Parklands napping with the Cranes having the easiest of tap-ins. 4-1 and the weather was not the only thing looking gloomy at Parklands sports club. Halftime and immediate injection of new energy as the coach looked for a quick comeback. Omosh came in goal for Babu, FCDM Masoni for Jemo to stabilize the midfield, Dreadlocked Izo to inject pace at the front, additional attacking threats from Johny Walker and top scorer Sisco and finally, a more attacking-minded Delle Mutua to the right. The subs had an immediate impact with Johny’s setting up Izo who bet the offside trap to finish at the back post. Parklands were finally getting into the game, the midfield combining better with Chubar getting into the game. With the midfield working half of Abou’s problems were decreased with the defense getting a breather. High pressing from Izo allowed him to with the ball easily beating the goalkeeper for a 4-3 comeback. With Parklands cooking Coach Ogochee decided to add flavor; the Royco to that Kenyan meal introducing the dancing Rasta Ovi to marshal the defense. With Ovi’s calmness and long passing range, Parkland’s build-up play improved significantly with both Captain IQ and Ovi being good ball players possessing great vision. With goals coming from all angles Sisco went for the hunt for one of his own, managing to win a penalty after being fouled in the box. Izo stepped up for his hat trick effectively dispatching to bring the game level. There was still time for FCDM Masoni to win the game after Izo wonderful cross with only the empty post to head into. But vile bench ilikua imekaza Masoni pulled off a Doobiz the ball hitting his head instead of him heading the ball. With everyone celebrating the goal returned to the direction it came from for a goal kick. Sisco had a late one-on-one effort blocked with Omosh saving a critical free kick before the Ugandans had a penalty shout waved off after Ovi handled in the box. The referee had enough with the game ending with a stalemate a game of two halfs.
