Uganda Cranes have been effectively been eliminated from the FIFA Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifiers following a 1-1 draw with neighbours Kenya at St Mary's Stadium Kitende. Uganda's fate was sealed and stamped after a comfortable 3-0 Mali win against Rwanda in Kigali a few hours later. 

Uganda had to win both its two remaining matches against Kenya today and Mali on Sunday. But after 5 games, Mali tops group E on 13 points and advance to the next round while Uganda on 9 points, Kenya on 3 points, and Rwanda on 1 point have all been eliminated. 

According to the qualifying format, the team that finishes top of the group advances to the third round. In this round, ten teams that top all their respective groups will be drawn into five home-and-away ties. The winners of each fixture will advance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

In the first opening minutes of the game played today, both Uganda and Kenya created a few scoring opportunities. However, in the middle of the match, both teams threatened each other's goal but Kenya created more chances. 

In the 20th minute, an effort by Kenya’s captain Michael Olunga was cleared by Cranes keeper Charles Lukwago before Joseph Okumu’s shot was also saved by Aziz Kayondo. Uganda also missed a chance when defender Bevis Mugabi’s effort went over the bar.

Uganda’s coach Micho Sredojević made two substitutes after halftime to boost the team’s creativity. He introduced Milton Karisa who replaced Steven Mukwala while Ibrahim Orit replaced defender Aziz Kayondo. Although Uganda looked keen to score, the opponents were the luckiest when in the 62nd minute, Olunga broke the deadlock with a free header off Kenneth Muguna’s free-kick.

Micho made two other substitutions in Yunus Sentamu and Okello as the hosts started the quest for an equalizer but the Kenyans were smart to deny Uganda a chance. In the 88th minute, Kenya’s goalkeeper Brian Okoth made a blunder that surrendered an equalizer to Uganda. Okoth lost possession to Crane’s Fahad Bayo who scored an equalizer.

Engin Fırat, the head coach Harambe Stars said his team had many chances to secure victory but failed to utilize them. Micho said that his side played well but they were denied by the opponents who played a defensive game. - URN/The Observer

Photo Anadolu Agency

Uganda's Victor Kiplangat and Kenya's Sheila Jerotich won the 43rd edition of the Istanbul Marathon on Sunday.

Kiplangat finished the 42-kilometer (26 miles) run in two hours, 10 minutes, and 18 seconds in the men's category.

Kenya's Robert Kipkemboi trailed five seconds behind Kiplangat to be the runner-up and Solomon Mutai from Uganda came third as he finished the men's race seven seconds behind the leader.

In the women's category, Sheila Jerotich from Kenya came first in two hours, 24 minutes, and 15 seconds.

Her countrywoman Jackline Chepngeno finished in second place, covering the distance in two hours, 24 minutes, and 21 seconds. She was followed by Ayantu Abdi from Ethiopia in two hours, 24 minutes, and 45 seconds.

A total of 20,000 people participated in the public run categories, while 54 elite athletes ran in the competition.

The marathon, a long-distance running race and the only intercontinental marathon in the world, was held in three categories: the 42,195 meters (138,435 feet) run, as well as the 15-kilometer (9.3 miles) and eight-kilometer public run.

Those who finished first, second and third in men's and women's categories got $35,000, $20,000, and $10,000, respectively.

Intercontinental Istanbul Marathon

The idea of running from Asia to Europe, first proposed by the daily Tercuman in 1973, was realized in 1979 upon the initiative of a group of German tourists.

The Istanbul Marathon, which is included in the "Gold Label Road Races" of the World Athletics Association (IAAF), is among the most popular marathons in the world.

The race kicked off at 9 a.m. local time (0600GMT) in the Altunizade neighborhood of Uskudar district on the Asian side of the Turkish metropolis, and ended at Sultanahmet Square, on the European side. - Emre Asikci, Anadolu Agency

Los Marathon Elite runner John Korir reacts after winning the 36th Los Angeles Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

LOS ANGELES (AP) - John Korir of Kenya made a break with 7 miles remaining to win the 36th Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday.

Natasha Cockram of Wales won the women's race with a similar strategy.

The 24-year-old Korir, who was second here two years ago, finished in 2 hours, 12 minutes, 48 seconds, nearly six minutes better than countryman Edwin Kimutai (2:18:01). Eritrea´s Amanuel Mesel Tikue finished third in 2:18:17.

Korir´s older brother, Wesley Korir, is a two-time Los Angeles champion.

"Now our family is so happy today," John Korir said. "This is three times our family winning this race. We are happy now."

Cockram won after placing 13th in the London Marathon on Oct. 3. She ran the 26.2-mile Stadium to Stars course in 2:33:17. 

"I wasn´t sure how my body was going to be feeling after London," Cockram said. "About halfway, I felt sure and comfortable. I kind of wish I´d gone earlier."

Kenya´s Antonina Kwamba was second in 2:37:36, edging Russia´s Nina Zarina by a second.

Korir and Cockram each won $6,000. The total prize purse was $40,000.

The race traditionally takes place in March. It returns to that spot next year. 

 

Los Marathon Elite runner Natasha Cockram, of Wales, wins the 36th Los Angeles Marathon women's race, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

 

Runners head out from Dodger Stadium at the start of the Los Angeles Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (David Crane/The Orange County Register via AP)

 A marathon participant hand pedals along Sunset Blvd. during the Los Angeles Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (Dean Musgrove/The Orange County Register via AP)

 

Runners pass the Guitar Center on Sunset Blvd. during the 36th Los Angeles Marathon, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (Dean Musgrove/The Orange County Register via AP)  Mail Online