Uganda Cranes Captain Emmanuel Arnold Okwi says that his side’s 2-1 loss to Ethiopia on Sunday in an international friendly match at the Bahir Dar Stadium is a blessing in disguise as they gear up for for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Ethiopia claimed a two goal lead thanks to goals from Nasir Abubeker and Abel Yelew whose efforts inspired the Walia Stars to victory after they scored in the first and second half respectively.
Yunus Sentamu who came on as a substitute in the second half pulled back a consolation for the visitors in the second half.
For Okwi, such matches awaken the players and if they make amends in the next clash, they can possibly turn bad times into good ones.
“The game against Ethiopia exposed us and it has given us the due challenge on how to improve amicably before the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Kenya and Mali are not exactly like Ethiopia but we shall further check ourselves” Okwi told fufa.co.ug
Uganda Cranes will be in Kenya latest Tuesday morning as the two sides are set to faceoff in a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier in Nairobi on Thursday, 2nd September 2021.
Uganda will host Mali on 6th September 2021 at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende in their second World Cup qualifier game.
Cranes Coach Mulitin Micho Sredojevic who rejoined the side over a month ago has picked up important lessons from Ethiopia defeat and will use them against Kenya and possibly in other games.
“The match was very important as it pointed out to the test of the players. We got the answers because in football you either win or learn the lesson. We saw shortcomings of the players and what they are capable of and how best to improve before the FIFA World Cup qualifiers’ Micho said.
Uganda Cranes advance party head Paul Mukatabala is already in Nairobi ready to receive the team.
