By Fred Katende in Ndola
Zambia 2-1 Uganda
Goals: Evans Kangwa for Zambia, Hamis Kiza-Uganda
Uganda Cranes created a few chances that could have won them the game against Zambia but the 2-1 win in favor of the hosts means that the Cranes are still searching for their first win over Chipolopolo at the Levi Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola. With both teams fielding strong squads for the FIFA sanctioned international friendly competitiveness was expected to be the order of the day. However the first half ended goalless with a few highlights that saw striker Emmanuel Okwi and Zambia keeper Kennedy Mweene clash as they both come out for a cross.
Mweene came out of the challenge with an injury and play was stopped. He was later stretchered off and replaced by Joshua Titima.
The last five minutes of the first half were evenly contested with Uganda defending in numbers and playing a pressing game whenever they lost the ball.
The opening 45 minutes also saw Cranes Captain Andy Mwesigwa pick up a yellow card. Earlier in the first half to be exact on seven minutes, Okwi created space on the left flank and shot wide from close range.
But deadly striker Christopher Katongo weaved through Uganda defence but his effort was blocked.
The second half produced three goals. Cranes Yanga African striker Hamis Kiza who came on as second half substitute gave Uganda the lead on 52 minutes.
Midfield general Rainford Kalaba shot wide across the face of goal narrowly missing the target after being set up by Chris Katongo. But the evening belonged to two goal hero Evans Kangwa who was a thorn in the Ugandan defence as he netted on 65 and 76 minutes against Robert Odongkara who replaced Denis Onyango two minutes into the second half.
The team returns on Friday morning.
Uganda Cranes starting XI:
18. Denis Onyango, 14. Andrew Mwesigwa , 17. Nicolas Wadada 20. Isaac Muleme , 5. Isaac Isinde, 6 Khalid Aucho, 13. Moses Oloya , 9 Dan Serenkuma, 12 Denis Iguma, 7.Emmanuel Okwi , 3. Geoffrey Kizito
Substitutes:
1. Robert Odongkara for Onyango, 15. Sula Matovu for Serunkuma, 8. Francis Olaki for Oloya, 10. Boban Zirintusa for Kizito, 4. Richard Kasaga for Wadada, 2. Hamis Kiiza for Okwi
Photo: Cranes players in a photo moment.
