International Build-up Game
Turkmenistan 0-0 Uganda
New York University Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Sunday, 09-06-2019
ABU DHABI – Scoring goals away from home has always been an issue for the Uganda Cranes.
In the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Sebastien Desabre’s side scored three goals in as many games and it fealt like the huddle had finally been overcome.
However, it does not feel the same anymore after the Cranes were held to a goalless draw by football minors Turkmenistan in the first of their two build-up games before AFCON 2019.
In the game played at the New York University Stadium in Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, the Cranes struggled to create clear cut chances throughout the game.
Their best chance came a few minutes before the break when Faruku Miya rattled the cross bar with a free kick from 25 yards but it was as close as the Cranes got to scoring a goal on the day.
Desabre and his technical team made several changes to the team with team captain Denis Onyango left out and Robert Odongkara starting in goal.
At the back, Desabre went for an unfamiliar back three of Bevis Mugabi, Timothy Awanyi and Murushid Juuuko, with the later sent off in the final minutes of the game.
Tadeo Lwanga, Faruku Miya, Godfrey Walusimbi and Khalid Aucho played in the midfield while debutant Abdu Lumala, Allan Kyambadde and Patrick Kaddu led the line upfront.
The likes of Emmanuel Okwi, Alexis Bbaka, Josephe Ochaya and Wadada Nico were later introduced but things did not take a favourable turn for Uganda.
The final 23 man squad that will feature at the 32nd edition of AFCON will be announced tomorrow, June 10th, as the Cranes continue with their preparations.
Next for them is another build-up game against Ivory Coast on the 15th of June, against Ivory Coast.
Currently, their are 26 players camped in Abu Dhabi after Moses Waiswa withdrew from the team due to injury while Charles Lukwago is yet to arrive in Abu Dhabi.
The Cranes team that started against Turkmenistan
Robert Odongkara, Timothy Awanyi, Murushid Juuku, Tadeo Lwanga, Khalid Awucho, Faruku Miya, Godfrey Walusimbi, Bevis Mugabi, Allan Kyambadde, Patrick Kaddu, Abdu Lumala.
The Uganda Cranes players currently in camp
Denis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awanyi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Patrick Kaddu, Bevis Mugabi, Isaac Muleme, Khalid Aucho, Tadeo Lwanga, Allan Kyambadde, Saddam Juma, Moses Waiswa (INJURED), Murushid Jjuuko, Derrick Nsibambi, Kirizestom Ntambi, Farouk Miya, Kizito Luwaga, Salim Jamal, Alexis Bbakka, Abdu Lumala, Allan kateregga, Nicholas Wadada, Emmanuel Okwi, Ronald Mukiibi, Robert Odongokara, Mike Azira.
Officials in Abu Dhabi
Leader of Delegation – Issa Magola
Head Coach – Sebastien Desabre
Assistant Coach – Matia Lule
Goalkeeping Coach – Fred Kajoba
Team Doctor – Ronald Kisolo
Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana
Media Officer – Ahmed Hussein
Physical Fitness Trainer – Jerome D’Antonio
Kits Managers – Lawrence Kizito and Ayub Balyejusa
