2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Russia
Egypt 1-0 Uganda
Uganda Cranes displayed a gallant and resilient fight, falling 1-0 to Egypt at the Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria City on Tuesday night during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Russia.
Mohammed Salah scored the solitary goal on 6 minutes.
Head coach Moses Basena had maintained the starting team that edged Egypt 1-0 at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on 31st August, 2017.
Uganda is now second in group E with 7 points, two short of Egypt who are on 9.
Ghana’s 5-1 win over Congo Brazaville lifted them to 5 points and Congo remains with one point.
Team captain Denis Onyango had a master performance that prevented the Egyptians from doubling the goal advantage.
Coach Basena was left impressed by the overall spirited performance.
“We lost gallantly. We put up a spirited performance away from home. I am impressed by the team’s overall display” Basena stated.
Uganda Cranes will return home on Friday morning to plan for the next match against Ghana in October.
Uganda Cranes XI:
Denis Onyango (GK), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Wasswa Hassan Mawanda,Khalid Aucho, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Faruku Miya, Derrick Nsibambi, Joseph Benson Ochaya
Substitutes:
Ismail Watenga (GK), Benjamin Ochan (GK), Bernard Muwanga, Ivan Ntege, Muzamiru Mutyaba, William Luwagga Kizito, Milton Karisa, Isaac Muleme, Geoffrey Serunkuma
Our team lacked direction going forward. The mindset was on getting a draw and the team didnot know what to do after falling behind in just 6 minutes. I thought a better ball manager like Geoffrey Sserunkuma should have been given a chance to lead the attack. We need to improve on the mental strength on away matches. We have two games to win and one is away which will require playing like Ghana did in Congo but it will be disastrous if we maintain the mentality of defending away from home. To play at the world’s biggest stage require conquering teams no matter where we play, win or loose when we have played and attacked.
The ball is still in the field my friend , the Egyptians are well experienced , I believe Uganda has a great team now compared to the past , you have a great goal keeper , and though that’s not enough to show up in the world cup but it’s just a step to go forward , keep believing in your team and one day you’ll get up in the qualifying tournament , maybe not this tournament but keep moving on . long live Africa and don’t forget that the winner will be an African team at the end , and I’ll be waiting for your congrats when we Egypt qualify and vice versa
Well said Selim. We truly believe in our team and it is so close to our hearts. We yawn to see our team at the World Cup and the Russia 2018 dream is still alive. We shall fight till the last whistle that will confirm the eventual group winners. We thank the Egyptian fans for showing respect and honour our team and fans. We share a great tradition with the Egyptian people and our federations should work closely to develop football ties in the two countries for future developments. We used to have the Nile Basin tournament but I do not know what happened since it has disappeared. Long live Africa, long live Uganda and the Egyptian peoples.
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