FOOTBALL–Uganda Cranes lost 2-1 in a practice match played against the Island nation of Madagascar at the StarTimes stadium in Lugogo on Wednesday.
The Island nation ranked 101st in the FIFA rankings came from a goal down to upset World Cup hopefuls Uganda with only two days to the crucial World Cup qualifier against west African giants Ghana
Kampala Capital City Authority FC midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba gave Cranes the lead after 29 minutes with a clinical finish off an Edrisa Lubega pass with Uganda clearly in control of proceedings.
When Basena made eleven changes at the start of the second half, things completely changed as Madagascar foward Rio Carlous Anoriananicinos scored at both ends of the half to ensure that his side upsets the Uganda Cranes.
His first in the 49th minute was a rebounded penalty which he converted after the initial effort was saved by goal keeper Benjamin Ochan.
The penalty was as a result of clumsy play when midfielder Ina Faneva Andriatsina was brought down in the area by Cranes right back Nicholas Wadada.
The second was a superb counter-attack finished off by striker Anoriananicinos on 88 minutes as Cranes pushed for a winner.
Team captain and first choice goalkeeper Dennis Onyango was the only un-used substitute in the match.
The team will regroup Thursday for training at Mandela National Stadium, starting 4pm.
Uganda is second in group E, two points behind leader Egypt with their Saturday opponents Ghana third on five points.
