International Friendly
Kenya vs Uganda
Moi International Sports Center, Nairobi
Sunday, 08-09-2019 @4pm
Kenya and Uganda will renew their rivalry when the two nations meet in an international friendly on Sunday afternoon.
For years, the two side have squared off in different tournaments and friendlies, games that have produced mixed results for either side.
The one that stands out for every Uganda must be the 0-0 draw with the Harambe Stars in November 2011 during the Africa Cup of Nations 2012 qualifiers.
By then, Uganda had spent 32 years minus reaching AFCON and only required three points to seal their participation at the 2012 edition.
However, they could not breach the Harambee Stars despite being at home as the game finished goalless.
Since then a lot has changed as the Cranes have qualified for two back to back AFCONS (2017 & 2019) and are clearly the better side between the two.
Also during the same period, they have seen a change in manager twice with Sebastien Desabre replacing Micho and then Abdallah Mubiru becoming and interim after the Frenchman left.
Having only taken charge after AFCON 2019, this will be Mubiru’s first high profile game with the senior team proper.
Despite missing several players, Mubiru has a decent squad if players with him in Nairobi, including up to five players that were at AFCON 2019.
Emmanuel Okwi who was at the above mentioned tournament will captain the side in the absence of Denis Onyango who remained in Kampala.
What they are saying ahead of the game
Abdallah Mubiru, Cranes head coach
“We are here to compete and we are going to try and play competitive football.
“It is our obligation to entertain our fans and we will try to play good football.
“I know the threat Kenya can pose because they are a good team.
“We prepared very well and we are ready for the challenges.”
Emmanuel Okwi, Cranes captain
“Everyone respects Kenya across the continent and we all know what they are capable of doing.
“We are not only looking at their strengths but also looking to use ours so as we play a good and enjoyable competitive match.”
This will be the 10th competitive meeting between Uganda and Kenya since January 2009.
In the previous 9 encounters, Uganda has won 4, Kenya 1 with the other 4 all finishing in draws.
This is the first fixture the two sides are playing after AFCON 2019.
Uganda Cranes probable line up
Charles Lukwago (GK), Paul Willa, Mustapha Kizza, Timothy Awany, John Revita, Khalid Aucho, Tadeo Lwanga, Allan Okello, Kizito Luwagga, Emmanuel Okwi (c), Fahad Bayo.
