Wanga scores as El-Merreikh storm Cecafa Cup semis

The former AFC Leopards’ striker came off the bench to convert from penalty spot as El-Merreikh edged out a stubborn Azam FC 4-3 to reach last four.

Sudanese side El-Merreikh cruised into semi-finals of Cecafa Kagame Cup after edging out a stubborn Azam FC of Tanzania on post match penalties in a quarters tie played at Nyamirambo Stadium on Wednesday.
Former AFC Leopards’ striker Allan Wanga scored one of the penalties as El-Merreikh qualified after a barren draw in regulation time.
Wanga came in 71st minute for Mohammed Gabir and gave a good account of himself coming close with a neat effort in 81st minute after being put through by a Mohamed Ayman cross from down the left.
The Red Devils had begun their spot-kicks on a sour note with skipper Elbasha Ahmed failing to convert but a calm Wanga held his nerves to haul them back with a brilliant conversion and thereafter, Ayman Said, Hussein Ali and Abdelatif Magdi followed suit to kick out the Tanzanians and end their hopes of getting a slice of prize money.
"It was good to come off the bench and score for my team. I was down with injury but my coach asked I come on in second half and could not refuse. We have enjoyed a good run in this competition and hopefully we go on to lift the title.
"We are now prepared for semi-finals. We are ready to face any team because this is a knock out competition and cannot chose whom to face,” Wanga said after the match.
Azam scored their spot-kicks through Edward Erasto, Agrrey Moris and Didier Kavumbagu while Salum Kapombe hit the post before Leonel Saint –Preux saw his decisive take saved by El-Merreikh custodian Salim Magoola.
In regulation time, both sides exhibited genuine thirst of wining the contest. They traded attacks with Leonel being a threat for the Red Devils. On the opposite end of the pitch, El-Mereikh’s speedy winger Ahmed Elbasha and forward Mohamed Traore caused discomfort to coach Joseph Omog’s defense.
Traore came close for El-Merreikh in the 28th minute and the 76th minutes with his last effort hitting the post before Wanga was denied by the same post five minutes later.