Hon Bagaloole Johnson, MP of Luwuka in Jinja scored a crucial goal in the 34th minute to give Parliament of Uganda a 1-0 victory over the local hosts, Parliament of Burundi as the Inter-Parliamentary Tournament 2011 commenced today at the Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium..
The match witnessed by the Chairperson of the Summit of EAC Heads of State, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, EAC Ministers, EAC Secretary General, EALA Speaker, EALA and Burundi Parliamentarians among other dignitaries, started on a fast pace with both Assemblies displaying crisp passes. The Parliament of Burundi missed a chance in the 20th minute when Hon Nkurunziza Aime hit the woodwork with the Parliament of Uganda goalkeeper squarely beaten. As Burundi piled on the pressure, Uganda raided on the counter attack and Hon Bagaloole notched in the ball following a cross from the left flank.
The second half saw both teams miss opportunities in the match watched by a sizeable crowd. The midfield of the Parliament of Uganda marshalled by the Captain, Hon Odonga Otto was outstanding containing the marauding Parliament of Burundi strikers. Both teams however qualify from Group A following the withdrawal of Republic of Rwanda due to unavoidable circumstances. Uganda’s Team Manager, Hon Okupa Elijah was elated. “We are off to a good start”, he noted
In the second game of the day, Parliament of Tanzania and Parliament of Kenya drew 0-0 to throw group B wide open. Both teams missed equal number of chances in the match that was balanced. Kenya’s goalkeeper, Hon Richard Onyonka was outstanding in between the posts making a number of daring saves to deny the goal-hungry strikers of Tanzania’s Assembly. In the 52nd minute, Kenya’s Hon Ababu Namwamba fired a shot that went inches wide.
Tomorrow, Tanzania who are the defending champions return to the field to lock horns with the EALA/EAC team.
The Inter-Parliamentary Football Tournament 2011 marks part of the celebrations of the 10th Anniversary celebrations of EALA.
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For More Information contact: Bobi Odiko, Senior Public Relations Officer, East African Legislative Assembly | AICC Building, Ngorongoro Wing, 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 1096 Arusha, Tanzania | Tel: +255-27-2508240, Cell: +255-787-870945 +254-733-718036 Email: BOdiko@eachq.org
