By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Uganda earned a valuable point during the goal-less group A contest of the CECAFA U-23 Challenge cup with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the Bahir Dar International Stadium on Sunday.
The physical duel that kicked off at lunch time witnessed either side create several goal scoring opportunities but to no avail as the backlines remained solid throughout.
Uganda came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening stanza but forward Derrick Kakooza tapped wide a delivery from captain Enock Walusimbi.
Earlier in the first half, Steven Sserwadda limped out for Bright Anukani.
There were a couple of changes made as the second half progressed. Kakooza and Steven Mukwala paved way for Najib Yiga and Samuel Ssenyonjo respectively on the hour hour.
With 15 minutes to play, another double change witnessed the introduction of Abdallah Salim and Sadam Masereka for Julius Poloto and Karim Watambala respectively.
Uganda’s head coach Morley Byekwaso described the result as fair but castigated the frontline for not scoring.
‘I have to thank the players for the point and the brave display. We failed to finish and take away the chances created. DR Congo players are well built and physical. We need to go back to the drawing board as we plan for the next match’ Byekwaso told the post match press conference.
There is plenty of time for recovery and planning ahead of the second group game for the two side next Sunday against Tanzania.
DR Congo goalkeeper Brudel Efong Liyongo jumps high to collect a high ball from the head of Peter Magambo
Officials:
Leader of Delegation:Â Rogers Byamukama
Head Coach: Morley Byekwaso
Assistant Coach:Â Simeon Massa
Goalkeeping Coach: Steven Billy Kiggundu
Team Manager:Â Bashir mutyaba
Team Doctor:Â Emmanuel Nakabago
Kitsman: Samuel Mulondo
Media Officer:Â Lawrence Bwanika
FUFA Delegate: Isa Musiiwa
FUFA Staff:Â Edward Kalungi
- Group A: Uganda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Group B: Ethiopia, Burundi, Eritrea
- Group C: Djibouti, South Sudan, Kenya
