Africa Cup of Nations 2021 Qualifiers-Group B
Burkina Faso 0-0 Uganda
Stade du 4 Aout, Ouagadougou
Wednesday, 13-11-2019
The Uganda Cranes earned a valuable point in their opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 qualifier away to Burkina Faso.
In the game played on Wednesday, Johnathan McKinstry’s side held the hosts to a 0-0 draw at the Stade du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou.
In his first match as Cranes coach, McKinstry did not alter much in the team that played at AFCON 2019 where Uganda reached the knock out stages of the competition.
He started captain Denis Onyango in goal and was only forced to field Joseph Ochaya at left-back as Godfrey Walusimbi is now retired.
In a 4:2:3:1 formation, Khalid Aucho and Mike Azira shielded the back four that also contained Bevis Mugabi, Timothy Awanyi and Murushid Jjuuko, on top of Ochaya.
The trio of Abdul Lumala, Emmanuel Okwi and Faruku Miya played behind lone-strike Patrick Kaddu.
It was a contest that started with Uganda willing to take a point and barely threatened the Burkina Faso defence.
Okwi looked the likeliest source for goals but the former Simba SC striker could not come up with the goods when required.
For the host, it is a disappointing result as they bid to return to Africa’s football showpiece, having missed out last time out in Egypt.
Even with seasoned performers like Lassina Traore, Charles Kabore and Jonathan Pitroipa all starting, the Stallions could not break down a strong Cranes team.
In the end, both had to settle for a point which puts them joint second on the log, two points behind Malawi.
Malawi are top of group B following their 1-0 victory over South Sudan in the other game.
Uganda is expected to return to Kampala on Thursday before embarking on preparations for the next game.
McKinstry’s side host Malawi at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole on Sunday, the same day that Burkina Faso will be away to South Sudan in the other group B encounter.
How both teams started
Uganda
Denis Onyango (GK, Captain), Bevis Mugabi, Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Denis Awany, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Mike Azira, Faruku Miya,Emmanuel Arnold Okwi, Abdul Lumala, Henry Patrick Kaddu
Burkina Faso
Adama Sawadogo (GK), Steeve Yago, Edmond Tapsoba , Issoufou Dayo, Yacouba Coulibaly , Charles Kabore l, Bryan Boulaye Dabo, Jonathan Pitroipa, Eric Traore, Cyrille Bayala, Lassina Traoré
