Ethiopia and Uganda played out a goalless draw in an International friendly game played on Sunday at Adama Science and Technology University Stadium.
The closely contested encounter saw Uganda produce better scoring chances than hosts Ethiopia. However, the cutting edge to put them to good use was lacking.
Uganda Cranes players singing the national anthem.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho set up in a 4-3-3 system with Nafian Aliozi starting in goal while the backline had Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo and John Revita.
The midfield trio included Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman and Moses Waiswa.
Marvin Youngman takes on Ethiopian players.
Rogers Mato led the line, getting support from Martin Kizza and captain Milton Karisa.
The first realistic opportunity for Uganda came in the 15th minute when Waiswa released Karisa on the right. He beat his opponent for pace but the delivery went wide.
Youngman who was arguably the best player for Uganda on the day, took control of proceedings in the midfield and always made dashing runs into the area.
Gavin Kizito Mugweri in action.
In the second half, coach Micho made changes bringing on Richard Basangwa for Kizza. Hakim Kiwanuka, Travis Mutyaba and Kenneth Ssemakula later came on for Waiswa, Mato and Ssentamu.
Before getting off, Mato went through on goal in the 76th minute but fired wide of goal.
In the closing stages of the game, Mutyaba gave a defence splitting pass to Youngman but his effort was saved by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper.
At the death of the clock, Mulondo failed to connect home a header from Karisa’s corner kick delivery.
Micho believes there were many positives picked from the game and thinks the team will be in perfect shape ahead of next Sunday’s game against Tanzania.
“We have played against a very strong side and there are many positives to pick from today’s match. We now have the next days to polish a few aspects ahead of the game against Tanzania.” He said.
Uganda will face Tanzania on Sunday, 28th August 2022 at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam and the two teams will face off in the return leg on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The winner on aggregate will qualify for the final tournament slated for January next year in Algeria.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Ibrahim Juma, Livingstone Mulondo, John Revita, Siraje Ssentamu, Marvin Youngman, Moses Waiswa, Rogers Mato, Martin Kizza, Milton Karisa
Substitutes
Dennis Otim, Mathias Muwanga, James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Walter Ochora, Kenneth Ssemakula,Saidi Kyeyune Travis Mutyaba, Isma Mugulusi, Richard Basangwa, Kenneth Ssemakula
