CECAFA U23 Challenge Cup
Uganda 0-0 Zimbabwe
Bahir Dar international Stadium, Addis Ababa
Sunday, July 18
Democratic Republic of Congo held Uganda to a 0-0 draw in their opening game at the 2021 CECAFA U23 Challenge Cup in Ethiopia.
The two sides could not find the back of the net and had to settle for a point each at the end of the day.
Uganda came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening stanza but forward Derrick Kakooza tapped wide a delivery from captain Enock Walusimbi.
Earlier in the first half, Steven Sserwadda limped out for Bright Anukani.
There were a couple of changes made as the second half progressed. Kakooza and Steven Mukwala paved way for Najib Yiga and Samuel Ssenyonjo respectively on the hour.
With 15 minutes to play, another double change witnessed the introduction of Abdallah Salim and Sadam Masereka for Julius Poloto and Karim Watambala respectively.
Uganda’s head coach Morley Byekwaso described the result as fair but castigated the frontline for not scoring.
“I have to thank the players for the point and the brave display. We failed to finish and take away the chances created. DR Congo players are well built and physical. We need to go back to the drawing board as we plan for the next match.” Byekwaso told the post match press conference.
There is plenty of time for recovery and planning ahead of the second group game for the two side next Sunday against Tanzania.
How the Kobs started
Charles Lukwago (GK), Enock Walusimbi (C), Musa Ramathan, Peter Magambo, Aziz Kayondo, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Sserwadda, Karim Watambala, Julius Poloto, Derrick Kakooza, Steven Mukwala.
