Uganda Cranes and Kenya’s Harambee stars have played to a barren uninspiring draw in an international friendly match on Tuesday 3 August 2016 at the Mandela National stadium Namboole.
Dull first half
The first period was rather a calm one both on pitch and the stands with a very low turn up recorded on the day. The fans merely filled three stands!
Uganda rolled off the game through European based duo of Emmanuel Okwi and Yunus Ssentamu.
The second minute presented the hosts first chance with Walusimbi pacing through the left flank before floating a cross behind Kenya’s backline only to find Massa and Ssentamu late for the job. Ouma cleared off for the first corner.
Walusimbi’s direct corner hit the near apex and headed away from danger. Yunus rebound was also cleared away by Kenya’s skipper Wanyama.
Okwi penalty call
Emma Okwi had his fair share of complaints in the 22nd after the center referee waved off what looked like a tackle from behind by stars rightback Musa Mohammed inside the box. Okwi had maneuvered past three defenders into the box.
Tactical change
Micho quickly made wholesale change at half time bringing on four of his key starters in Tony Mawejje, Luwagga, Miya, Uganda premier league MVP Joseph Ochaya and then Geoffrey Sserunkuma.
Captain Massa, Yunus and Okwi are among those relegated to the bench.
The change brought life to the game improving Cranes attack Which only created more unfinished half chances but were always cleared back to play by the composed Kenya defense while creating defensive imbalances in Jamal’s goal.
Luwagga nearly gifted the visitors an easy goal in the 58th minute when his blind pass strayed on Eric Johanna’s path. The striker raced to beat an oncoming Jamal but his effort went an inch wide.
The last whistle left the fans with questions that need to be answered tactically in the next training sessions before Sunday.
Uganda now head back to prepare for the penultimate Afcon 2017 group D crucial qualifier against Comoros on Sunday 4th while Kenya travel to Zambia to honor their last group E game.
Cranes XI: Jamal Salim, Nicholas Wadada, Murshid Jjuko, Isaac Isinde, Geoffrey Walusimbi, Khalid Aucho, Hassan Waswa, Moses Oloya, Yunus Ssentamu, Geoffrey Massa, Emmanuel OkwiSubs: Ismail Watenga, Benjamin Ochan, Tonny Mawejje, William Kizito, Farouk Miya, Vincent Kayizzi, Edrisa Lubega, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Ivan Ntege, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awany, Erisa Sekisambu.
Starting Team: Bonface Oluoch, David Odhiambo Owino, David Ochieng, Eric ‘Mercello’ Ouma, Victor Wanyama, Anthony Agay Akumu, Eric Omondi Johanna, Francis Kahata, Ayub Masika Timbe, Jesse Jackson Were, Mayeko Musa Mohammed.
Subs: David Okello, Abud Omar, Joshua Kipkemboi, Ismael Gonzalez, Victor Majid, Danson Kago, Michael Olunga, Mark Makwatta, Jonah Ayunga, Brian Mandela,
Match Officials:
CR: AbdoulKarim Twagirumukiza
AR1: Theogeme Ndagijmana
AR2: Raymond Nonati Bwiriza
4th official: Sabila Ali Chelangat
MCom: Mrs. Margaret Kubingi