Ahead of the 2023 African Nations Championships (CHAN), Uganda Cranes managed a barren stalemate with West African powerhouse Mali, in what was their third preparation match on Sunday.
This followed earlier 2-2 and 1-1 draws against Sudan and Cameroon respectively, with head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevich desperate to have his side ready in the best possible shape.
The buildup match in Tunisia was a generally poor attacking show from either side, as both struggled to create goalscoring chances for the entire match.
Micho’s charges, in the first half, were limited to late challenges, unnecessarily kicking the ball away on several occasions, as the West Africans dominated the ball, albeit, with little threat from them.
It was a slightly more organized Cranes in attack in the second stanza, as substitute Frank Sebuufu managed the team’s only shot on target from distance, which didn’t do a lot to trouble the opponents.
Uganda is now expected to connect to Algeria, as they look forward to their first group game against Democratic Republic of Congo on January 14th.
Group B also has Senegal and Ivory Coast which is a stout challenge for the Cranes, who are looking to make it out of the group stages for the first time in history, after five attempts.
HOW UGANDA LINED UP
Alionzi Nafian (GK/C), Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Hillary Mukundane, Gift Fred, Youngman Marvin, Travis Mutyaba, Yiga Najib, Nelson Senkatuka, Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
Jack Komakech, James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Kenneth Semakula, Geoffrey Wasswa, Moses Waiswa, Abdu Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa, Bright Anukani, Ibrahim Orit, Frank Ssebufu, Rogers Mato, Siraje Ssentamu, Joel Mutakubwa
Photo Credit: FUFA Media
