Practice Match
UPDF FC 1-2 Uganda Cranes
Uganda Cranes earned victory over Uganda Premier League outfit UPDF FC in a practice game played on Saturday at Bombo Barracks Ground.
An own goal from defender Andrew Ssemakula and Saidi Kyeyune’s free kick gave Uganda Cranes advantage before substitute Phillip Angelo Taban got the consolation for UPDF FC.
The Cranes started on the better note and it did not take long to open the scores with the first goal coming in the 4th minute.
Rogers Mato made a good run off the left wing and his intended cross was diverted to goal by onrushing defender Ssemakula.
In the 7th minute, Derrick Ndahiro nearly doubled the advantage but the UPDF FC goalkeeper was well stationed to parry the ball over.
The shot stopper was once again called to action in the 20th minute, saving Mato’s low drive.
Brian Mato thought he had found the second goal for Uganda Cranes when he slid to score from Roger Mato’s cross but the former was adjudged to have been offside.
It was Kyeyune who stretched the lead for the National Team, curling home straight from a free kick just outside the area.
The first change for coach Milutin Sredojevic saw George Kasonko paving way for Frank Ssebufu at the stroke of halftime.
There were further changes after recess with Abdallah Ssekandi, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Emmanuel Kalyowa replacing Rogers Mato, Moses Waiswa and Nafian Alionzi in that order.
Frank Kalule and Mpagi also came on later, replacing George Kaddu and Kyeyune.
UPDF FC got the consolation through lanky forward Taban who had come on as a substitute. He headed home in 71st minute.
Coach Micho believes the match helped him in assessing the level of fitness of players.
“I am happy that we have had such a game to know where we stand. The first half performance was impressive with players like Moses Waiswa and Saidi Kyeyune doing well. That changed in the second half when we brought on guest players,” he stated.
“With many players released to go for FUFA Drum matches, we believe they will get the competitive aspect as we now switch focus to the regional tour game against Western on Tuesday.” Micho added.
The team currently in camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi is preparing for African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022 Qualifiers.
Uganda will face the winner on aggregate between Somalia and Tanzania.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi, Hillary Onek, George Kaddu, Gift Ali, Walter Ochora, George Kasonko, Moses Waiswa, Saidi Kyeyune, Rogers Mato, Brian Mato, Derrick Ndahiro
Substitutes
Emmanuel Kalyowa(GK), Abdallah Ssekandi, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Frank Ssebufu, Frank Kalule, Mpagi
*Credit: FUFA media.
