The Uganda U-23 team The Kobs needed an injury time penalty  to overcome South Sudan 1-0 in a hard-fought win during the first leg of AFCON U-23 qualifiers at Startimes Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala.

Musitapha Kizza became the hero of the day after slotting in a penalty in the second minute of additional time of the well attended game.

Kiiza scored the  match winner after a penalty  awarded by Egyptian FIFA referee Ahamed El Ghandour following a foul on Steven Mukwala by the South Sudan's goalkeeper, Ramadan John Mayik.

Before the goal, the Uganda Kobs exhibited a good play on the pitch with countless attacks but the Sudanese put up resistance.

Joel Madondo Kirinya, the Jinja SS goal machine had a good game in the first half of the match, earning more fouls on the edge of South Sudan's goal but free kicks yielded no fruits.

In the 27th minute South Sudan's Daniel Samuel Solong was the first to be booked after bringing down  Kobs skipper Mujjuzi Musitafa.

Just 10 minutes into the second half, Uganda Kobs made the first change, withdrawing Musitafa Mujjuzi for Joseph Junior Semujju.

In the 63th minute, the visitors also made their first substitute when Antony Oketch replaced Samuel Edward.

The Uganda Kobs went ahead to make several attempts but all failing. In the 72th minute, Kagimu almost scored a distant shot after a beautiful inter-play from Allan Okello, Mukwala Desse and Julius Poloto.

In the second minute of additional time, Mukwala won a penalty for the Kobs when he was brought down goalie Mayik and Kizza made no mistake from the spot.

The match ended 1-0 giving the Kobs  early advantage prior to Tuesday's return leg in  Juba.

The winner on aggregate will take on Tunisia at the next level of qualification.