Uganda Cranes draw with The Gambia in friendly

Photo by FUFA Media/Ronald Lusulire.

The Uganda Cranes played out a 1-1 draw with the Gambia Scorpions in an international friendly on Monday, June 9, at Stade de Marrakech Annexe in Morocco.

Uganda took the lead in the 25th minute through Rogers Kassim Mato, who headed home a superbly delivered corner from Patrick Jonah Kakande. Mato, who plies his trade in North Macedonia with Vardar Skopje, timed his run perfectly to nod the Cranes in front.

However, their advantage was short-lived. The Gambia, under the guidance of former Uganda Cranes head coach Johnathan McKinstry, responded with pressure, going close in the 35th minute when a shot struck the crossbar with Ugandan goalkeeper Isima Watenga already beaten.

The breakthrough for the Scorpions came before halftime when they were awarded a penalty for a foul in the box. Hibernian FC forward Alasana Manneh calmly converted the spot kick, sending Watenga the wrong way.

Uganda’s plans suffered a blow early in the second half when goalkeeper and captain Watenga sustained a knee injury and was forced off just seven minutes after the restart. He was replaced by Joel Mutakubwa and later taken to hospital for further medical evaluation.

Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put, aiming to rebound from a 0-3 defeat to Cameroon in their previous outing, made several changes to the lineup and brought on fresh legs in the second half. Defender Hilary Mukundane; midfielders Travis Mutyaba and Enock Ssebagala; and forwards Denis Omedi and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza all featured.

Despite some encouraging build-up play and late half-chances from Omedi and Allan Oyirwoth, Uganda could not find the winning goal.

Uganda Cranes Starting XI: Isima Watenga (GK, Captain), Kenneth Semakula, Isaac Muleme, Jordan Obita, Toby Sibbick, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Allan Oyirwoth, Abdu Karim Watambala, Arafat Usama, Rogers Kassim Mato, Patrick Jonah Kakande.

Substitutes: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Hannington Ssebwalunyo (GK), Hilary Mukundane, Arnold Odong, Elvis Bwomono, Enock Ssebagala, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Muhammad Shaban, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Allan Okello.