International build up: Tuesday, 30th August 2016
Uganda Cranes 0-0 Kenya Harambee Stars
The international build up match between Uganda Cranes and Kenya Harambee Stars at Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday has ended goal-less on Tuesday afternoon.
It was a game of limited goal scoring opportunities that either sides managed to create.
Uganda Cranes captain, Geofrey Massa now playing for newly promoted South African premier league side Baroka had an attempt from a free-kick in the first half missing target by inches.
Earlier, roving left back Godfrey Walusimbi laid a great ball across of goal that defender Brian Mandela reacted to faster than Yunus Sentamu for a corner.
Kenya themselves had two one-against one incidents through Eric Johanna later in the second half with Aucho Khalid clearing off the line on one attempt after goalie Salim Jamal Magoola had down well to close on the center forward.
Uganda Cranes technical bench introduced Farouk Miya, Joseph Ochaya, William Luwagga Kizito, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Tonny Mawejje and Edrisa Lubega all in the second half.
The game according to the head coach, Milutin Sredejovic gives the technical team a clear picture of how the current players stand at the moment in terms of mental, physical and tactical preparation.
“The friendly match with our neighbours Kenya was very good and it gives us what we need on work on in the remaining four training sessions in preparation for the most important game against Comoros. I call upon the fans to remain positive and the players to be more focused. We shall qualify for AFCON 2017 finals” Micho told the media at the post match press conference held at the Namboole board room shortly after the game.
His Kenyan counterpart, Stanley Okumbi wished Uganda Cranes the best against Comoros.
“We are brothers and i believe Uganda Cranes will qualify to make the East African region proud” Okumbi added.
Uganda Cranes midfielder Tonny Mawejje who was the captain in the second half hailed his teammates for the performance but called for more efforts especially in the creating and scoring departments.
Mawejje too attended the post match press conference;
When you are to win a football match, you have to score and defend well too. First of all, i thank the presence of this match. We shall polish our mistakes in the remaining days to the match against Comoros.
Meanwhile, the team resumes training sessions with a recovery session on Wednesday at Namboole stadium (4 p.m).
Rested first choice goalkeeper Dennis Onyango is expected to start light training too on Wednesday.
Team Line Ups:
Uganda Cranes XI:
Salim Jamal Magoola (G.K), Nicholas Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Murushid Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Moses Oloya, Aucho Khalid, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Yunus Sentamu, Geofrey Massa (Captain)
Changes: Farouk Miya, Joseph Benson Ochaya, William Luwagga Kizito, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Tonny Mawejje, Edrisa Lubega
Subs Not Used:
Isma Watenga (G.K), Vincent Kayizzi Walugembe, Ivan Ntege, Erisa Ssekisambu, Timothy Dennis Awany, Benjamin Ochan (G.K)
Kenya Harambee Stars XI:
Bonifance Olouch (G.K), David Owino, Brian Mandela, David Ochieng, Eric Ouma, Victor Wanyama, Anthony Akumu, Eric Johana, Francis Kahata, Ayub Timbe, Jesse Were
Subs:
David Okello, Abdul Omar, John Kipkemboi, Ismail Gonza, Michael Olunga, Mark Maxwatta, John Ayunga
