International friendly
Saturday result
Uganda 1-0 Ivory Coast
Miya Faruku scored the only goal as Uganda Cranes earned a stunning 1-0 win at Ivory Coast on Saturday in the team’s last international build-up game prior to this year’s AFCON finals commencing this week in Egypt.
The NHK Gorica forward converted from the spot in the 35th minute, beating TP Mazembe goal keeper Guelassiognon Sylvain Gbohouo with a well taken penalty at the Sheikh Zayed Sport City stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Desabre made four chances in the game which was Cranes’ second international build-up tie a week after their disappointing barren stalemate against little known Asian country Turkmenistan.
Allan Kyambadde replaced KCCA FC teammate Patrick Kaddu early after the break, Isaac Muleme came in for Abdu Lumala, Miya gave way for Tadeo Lwanga before Ronald Brian Mukiibi replaced Murushid Jjuuko a minute to normal time.
The Cranes depart for Egypt this Monday after three weeks of camping in Abu Dhabi and Head coach Sebastian Desabre is optimistic after the team’s Saturday performance.
“We have had a great camp with two friendly games. The win against Ivory Coast is very important because in football, it such results that keep the players motivated. We are still not there but we shall improve in the remaining games before or first match,” noted Desabre.
Uganda, who are 1978 finalists start their AFCON campaign on Saturday against two-time champions Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before facing Zimbabwe and seven-time record winners Egypt respectively in Group A.
Two-time champions Ivory Coast are in group D along with Morocco, Namibia and South Africa.
Advance team leaves for Cairo
Meanwhile, the official Uganda advance team to AFCON left for Cairo, Egypt on Saturday afternoon. Third FUFA Vice President, also the State minister in charge of children’s affairs Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi led the four-man advance team that also has FUFA finance director Decolas Kiiza and two FUFA Executive committee members; Hajji Abdul Ssekabira and Hamid Juma. The advance team will be expected to officially receive the Uganda Cranes delegation this Monday that has been camped in Abu Dhabi since 21st May 2019 for a training camp. Nakiwala thanked the Government especially President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for continuously funding the activities of Uganda Cranes after the Government entirely facilitated the back to back campaigns of the Uganda Cranes to AFCON finals. FUFA also got Presidential recognition for their good work during the Budget day last Thursday.
Uganda Cranes XI against Ivory Coast:
Dennis Onyango (Captain), Bevis Kristofer Kizito Mugabi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Murushid Jjuuko (89’ Ronald Mukiibi), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Aucho Khalid, Mike Azira, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Faruku Miya (82′ Tadeo Lwanga), Patrick Henry Kaddu (46’ Allan Kyambadde), Abdu Lumala (66’ Isaac Muleme)
Subs Not Used: Robert Odongkara (G.K), Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Denis Awany, William Luwagga Kizito, Derrick Paul Nsibambi, Allan Kateregga, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Salim Omar Magoola.
