By Frank Kamuntu
Uganda Cranes CECAFA bound team Defeated Jinja based Gaddafi FC 2-0 in a practice match played at the Kyabazinga Stadium in Jinja on Saturday Evening.
Second-half substitute Fahad Bayo opened up the score with a free header inside the area in the 57th minute, thanks to a well-delivered cross from Ben Ocen, who was also introduced in the second half and youngster Abdul Karim Watambala, who doubled the lead 7 minutes to time with another excellent header from Paul Willa’s cross.
The hosts got an opportunity to pull back a consolation but the effort from Bakari Magumba’s spot-kick in the 90th minute was saved by goalkeeper Said Keni.
‘It was another step along in terms of our preparations. This was another part of our training program. Gaddafi was really up for the game and used a lot of energy that put us on pressure. The players did well today and everyone got some minutes of play,” said Uganda Cranes Head coach Johnathan McKinstry, after the Practice Match.
McKinstry added that it has helped them learn a few things about their players and and said he was pleased with the performance, although they need to work on some other things that didn’t go well, which, but that all is well in regards to continuing their preparations for CECAFA.
The team will continue with preparations for CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup with training on Monday December 2, 2019 at the StarTimes Stadium Lugogo.
Uganda is in group A together with Burundi, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. The tournament will run from 7th – 19th December 2019 in Kampala
Uganda Cranes Technical Bench
Gaddafi IX FC
Mujampani Paul (GK), Wako Ivan, Nazir Sserwada, Muyanga Isaac, Magumba Bakari, Kyeyune Umar, Ziraba Sharif, Mark Bamukyaye, Obere Ronald, Ronald Bithum, Nkolo Blaise
Subs
Okello Nalumonsi Consatino, Muzuni Brian, Kisige Derick, Wanyama Festo, Kyaterekera Hamis, Mukomba Davis,
Kityo Bruce Falahani
Uganda Cranes IX
Joel Mutakubwa (GK) (Kyetume), Ashraf Mandela (URA FC), Disan Galiwango (Express FC), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers SC), Paul Mbowa (URA FC), Hassan Senyonjo (Wakiso Giants), Shafiq Kagimu (URA FC), Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Steven Mukwala (Maroons FC), Viane Sekajugo (Wakiso Giants), Joachim Ojera (URA FC),
Subs
James Alitho (GK)(URA), Jack Komakeck (GK) (Football For Good),,Said Keni (GK)( (SC Villa), Paul Willa (Vipers SC), Ben Ocen (Police FC), Joel Madondo (Busoga United), Allan Kayiwa (Vipers SC), Fahad Bayo (Vipers SC).
