Friendly Game
Saudi Arabia 0-0 Uganda
Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Bin Abdulaziz Stadium
Friday, 02-07-2021
The Uganda Cranes were held to a goalless draw by Saudi Arabia on Friday, July 02.
Neither of the two sides could find a break through throughout the entire 90 minutes at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Bin Abdulaziz Stadium.
Morley Byekwaso’s side which started with Richard Basangwa and 2019/20 Uganda Premier League top scorer Steven Mukwala, upfront, struggled to curb open the Saudi Arabia defence.
The introductions of U20 AFCON top scorer Derrick Kakooza, Karim Watambala, Bright Anukani and Najib Yiga could also see Uganda past Saudi Arabia despite dominating the entire 90 minutes.
Speaking after the game, Cranes coach Morley Byekwaso thanked his players for putting up a fight in unforgiving conditions.
“God has helped us that the game has ended without any player getting injured. He started. We have managed to draw goalless. Byekwaso noted.
“The conditions were not forgiving as it was so hot despite the fact that it was already evening time.
“The boys have fought hard and i am thankful to them for ensuring that our flag stays afloat and to head into CECAFA with respect.”
The two sides will meet again on Monday in the second build up game at the same venue.
The Cranes are currently in Saudi Arabia to beef up preparations for the upcoming CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Ethiopia.
This year’s edition will feature player under the age of 23 with only three senior players allowed on the team.
Uganda is the defending champion of the competition that they won for a record 15th time in Kampala two years ago.
How Uganda Started on Friday
Charles Lukwago (GK), Enock Walusimbi (C), Aziz Kayondo, Musa Ramathan, Peter Magambo, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Steven Sserwadda, Saidi Kyeyune, Richard Basangwa, Isma Mugulusi, Steven Mukwala.
Substitutes
Hassan Matovu (G.K), Eric Kibowa (G.K), George Kaddu, Najib Yiga, Bright Anukani, Karim Watambala, Samuel Ssenyonjo, Derrick Kakooza, Abdallah Salim, Julius Poloto, Kenneth Semakula, Sadam Masereka.
