UGANDA SECURE NARROW WIN OVER KENYA IN CHAN QUALIFIER

Uganda secured a narrow 1-0 win over Kenya in the first leg of the final qualifier for the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Cranes sealed the win thanks to a 21st minute strike by midfielder Sula Matovu.

Matovu followed up to score after Kenyan goalkeeper Lawrence Webo failed to hold Simon Masava's cross.

Uganda's Scottish coach Bobby Williamson admits they could have won by a wider margin if his strikers had converted their numerous chances.

“We wasted many scoring chances. We shall go back to the drawing board and plan for the return leg in two weeks,” Williamson said.

Harambee Stars boss Tahir Muhiddin was delighted that his defenders were up to the task ahead of the second leg in two weeks' time.

“Although we have lost, we are happy with the performance. Hope we can fight back and win comfortably in Nairobi,” Muhidin said

The return leg will be played on 5 June in Nairobi.

Meanwhile, Malawi secured an important 1-1 away draw against Angola in Luanda in the other final qualifier on Saturday.

The visitors opened the scored on 33 minutes through Harry Nyirenda but the home side drew level through substitute Santana Carlos with only two minutes remaining.

The return leg is scheduled for Blantyre on 6 June.

Hosts Sudan, defending champions DR Congo, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal, Ghana, Niger and Cameroon have booked places at the 16-nation championship scheduled for next January and February.

The other slots will be filled a week before the World Cup kicks off on 11 June in South Africa.

The biennial Nations Championship is restricted to footballers playing in their country of birth.