Build-up game
Uganda Cranes 0-0 Proline FC
StarTimes Stadium, Lugogo
Wednesday, 24-07-2019
LUGOGO – Eight goals scored in four matches and Uganda reached the 2019 CHAN championships in Morocco.
An average of two goals per game was as good as the team got in front of goal as they negotiated through the qualifying stage, eliminating both South Sudan and Rwanda.
With just three days to the first qualifier against Somalia in the 2021 edition, Abdallah Mubiru’s side is clearly struggling in front of goal.
On Wednesday morning they were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted StarTimes Uganda Premier league side Proline FC.
It is supposed to be a concern for the team but Mubiru thinks otherwise.
“I am not worried about the lack of goals. We are still training and have a lot of time to improve in front of goal. The good thing is that we are creating chance and now we just have to put them away. Said Mubiru after the game.
Mubiru may claim not to be worried but if a team scores a single goal in three build-up games, one would clearly be right to think otherwise.
In the past week, the Cranes defeated URA FC 1-0 before losing by the same score line to Kitara in the Regional tour.
In the two games prior to Wednesday, they struggled to create goal scoring chances and the few they did curb out were wasted by the forwards.
Towards the end of the victory over, Nelson Ssenkatuka was played through on goal by Bright Anukani but the Bright Stars striker pulled the effort wide while one on one with the keeper. The moment was received with astonishment as the on-lookers looked on in disappointment.
Their best chance against Proline came in the 90th minutes with substitute Muzamir Mutyaba finding space in behind the Proline back-line before forcing a top-notch save from custodian Shatif Magoola.
As the Cranes tried to force the issue, Allan Okello unsurprisingly headed a Mustapha Kizza cross wide of the target. Okello is not known for his heading ability and him missing from a header can not be treated as a huge issue.
Earlier in the first half, Kaddu squandered up to three chances one of which saw him pounce onto a tame Magoola pass before shooting straight at the custodian.
In an effort to win the game, Mubiru sent on Muzamir Mutyaba and Shafick Kagimu to replace Allan Kayiwa and Tom Matsiko at the start of the second half but the move did not pay off.
With 15 minutes to play, nine more changes were made but to no desired effect.
Uganda will take on Somalia in Djibouti on Saturday in their first leg of the 2021 CHAN first round qualifiers.
The team is expected to depart the country on Thursday morning.
Uganda Cranes starting team
Charles Lukwago (GK), Paul Willa, Mustapha Kizza, Timothy Awanyi (c), John Revita, Tadeo Lwanga, Tom Matsiko, Allan Okello, Allan Kayiwa, Allan Kyambadde, Patrick Kaddu.
The Cranes team that is currently in camp
Goalkeepers
Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC), Alitho James (URA FC), Mugabi Yasin (Wakiso Giants Fc)
Defenders
Willa Paul (Police FC), Mustafa Mujuzi (Proline FC), Kizza Mustafa (KCCA FC), Revita John (Express FC), Awany Timothy (KCCA FC), Mbowa Paul (URA FC), Galiwango Dissan (Express FC), Mandela Ashraf (URA FC)
Midfielders
Taddeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Mutyaba Muzamir (KCCA FC), Masiko Tom (Vipers SC), Kagimu Shafiq (URA FC), Kayiwa Allan (Vipers SC), Okello Allan (KCCA FC), Kyambadde Allan (KCCA FC), Sadam Juma (KCCA FC), Ssozi Yusuf ( Paidha Black Angels), Bright Anukani (Proline FC)
Strikers
Kaddu Patrick (KCCA FC), Sserunkuma Daniel (Vipers SC), Senkatuka Nelson (Bright Stars FC)
The technical team of the Uganda Cranes
Head coach – Abdallah Mubiru
Assistant coach – Livingstone Mbabazi
Goalkeeping coach – Sadiq Wassa
Team Coordinator – Geoffrey Massa
