By Bariyo Brian Tumuramye
Kampala: Uganda Cranes and Rwanda Amavubi Stars settled for a goalless draw during their opening match of the CHAN 2020 tournament on Monday.
There was a lot of ‘steam’ in both camps ahead of the CECAFA derby but the East African neighbours fired blanks at Stade Reunification- Douala in Cameroon.
Instead, it was Rwanda who majorly caused havoc to Uganda especially in the first half but their efforts didn’t yield fruits.
In his attempts to pursue results immediately after the restart, Cranes Coach Johnathan Mckinstry made a double substitution as Tonny Mawejje and Ben Ocen replaced Bright Anukani and Viane Ssekajugo respectively.
Earlier in the game, Cranes’ Joackiam Ojera came close after capitalizing on a Karim Watambala free-kick but his effort went wide.
Cranes will return to action on Friday, 22nd January 2021 against Togo while Rwanda will be up against title holders Morocco.
Ahead of matchday two, Uganda and Rwanda sit joint second on the group C table with a point each, while Morocco who beat Togo 1-0 in the afternoon match are atop off three points.
Uganda Starting XI:
Charles Lukwago, Paul Willa, Mustafa Mujuzi, Patrick Mbowa, Aziz Kayondo, Shafik Kagimu, Joakim Ojera, Bright Anukani, Vianney Ssekajiggo, Karim Watambala, Milton Kalisa.
Rwanda Starting XI:
Olivier Kwizera (GK), Fitina Omborenga, Ange Mutsinzi, Thierry Manzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Olivier Niyonzima, Rashid Kalisa, Bertrand Iradukunda, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Dominique Savio Nshuti, Jacques Tuyisenge (C)
