By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Uganda Cranes picked up important lessons from the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Ethiopia during the international build up match played at the Bahir Dar Stadium on Sunday.
A goal in each half from Nasir Abubeker and Abel Yelew inspired the Walia Stars to victory.
Second half substitute Yunus Sentamu pulled back a consolation for the visitors.
Sentamu was one of the six players introduced in the second half.
At the kick off of the final stanza, Sentamu replaced Abdu Lumala, goalkeeper Charles Lukwago took over Isima Watenga’s slot and Enock Walusimbi was rested for Ibrahim Orit.
Midfielder Khalid Aucho later paved way for youngster Bobosi Byaruhanga in the 63rd minute.
Six minutes later, captain Emmanuel Arnold Okwi was withdrawn and Richard Basangwa took over before the final change was made as Moses Waiswa got displaced by Shafik Kuchi Kagimu.
Six players were unused substitutes; goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Abdul Aziizi Kayondo, Kenneth Ssemakula, Steven Desse Mukwala and Innocent Wafula.
Two others; Tadeo Lwanga and Martin Kizza were not considered for the match due to injury and mere rest respectively.
Head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic acknowledged the value of this match that painted the real picture of the expectations from the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Mali.
‘The match was very important as it pointed out to the test of the players. We got the answers because in football you either win or learn the lesson. We saw shortcomings of the players and what they are capable of and how best to improve before the FIFA World Cup qualifiers’ Micho stated.
The head coach’s message was re-echoed aloud by captain Emmanuel Arnold Okwi.
‘The game against Ethiopia exposed us and it has given us the due challenge on how to improve amicably before the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Kenya and Mali are not exactly like Ethiopia but we shall further check ourselves’ Okwi disclosed moments after the match.
Milton Karisa, one of the few players who lasted for the entire duration of the match was humbled for the challenge faced in thy midst.
‘Fine, we took a long time without playing competitively because of the national lockdown back home, but, we need to stand up and rise highest’ Karisa stated.
Uganda Cranes delegation sets off for Nairobi on Monday evening aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
Advance party head Paul Mukatabala is already in Nairobi ready to receive the team.
Uganda Cranes XI: Isima Watenga (46’ Charles Lukwago), Enock Walusimbi (’46 Ibrahim Orit), Joseph Benson Ochaya, Halid Lwaliwa, Murushid Juuko, Denis Iguma, Khalid Aucho (63’ Bobosi Byaruhanga), Moses Waiswa (84’ Shafik Kuchi Kagimu), Abdu Lumala (46’ Yunus Sentamu), Milton Karisa, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi – Captain (69’ Richard Basangwa)
Subs Not Used: Joel Mutakubwa (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Abdul Aziizi Kayondo, Kenneth Ssemakula, Steven Desse Mukwala, Innocent Wafula
Not available: Tadeo Lwanga and Martin Kizza
Ethiopia XI: Fasil Gebremicheal (G.K), Shemeles Bekele (Captain), Desta Yohannes, Yared Baye, Asrat Tonjo, Magiot Debebe, Gatoch Panom, Bezabele Meleyu, Nasir Abubeker, Gebremicheal Amanuel, Abel Yelew
Subs: Jemal Tasew (G.K), Frew Getahune (G.K), Suleman Hamid, Surefel Dagnachew, William Solomon, Cherenet Gugusa, Shemeket Gugusa, Amanuel Yohannes, Menaf Awel, Solomon Tefese, Alemu Fitum, Yihun Endeshaw.
Match officials:
- Center Referee: Haileyesus Bazezew (PhD) – Ethiopia
- Assistant Referee 1: Kindle Mussie – Ethiopia
- Assistant Referee 2: Yibekal Dessalegne – Ethiopia
- Fourth official: Lemma Nigussie – Ethiopia
