Cranes certain of defensive cover

By Fred Kaweesi

Friendly result
Botswana 0 Uganda 0

September 8
Zambia v Uganda

Uganda Cranes’ second string side reminded Africa champions Zambia of the defensive resilience to expect during next month’s Nations Cup qualifier after grinding out a goalless draw against Botswana.

Cranes travelled to Gaborone without several first team players expected to line up against the Chipolopolo at the Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola but still succeeded in matching the hosts pound for pound.

Coach Bobby Williamson must have been pleased with the individual performances of particularly the team’s youthful back-four that included Dennis Guma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Edward Ssali and Isaac Isinde.

This means the Scot will have plenty of options to consider in an area Cranes will need vast experience and ‘strong heads’ to counter the lethal challenge that will come through Zambia’s increasing list of in-form strikers.

Zambia’s star striker and team captain Christopher Katongo has recovered from injury and alongside Isaac Chansa, played in Henan’s 3-0 defeat to Jiangu Sainty in the Chinese Super League.

In the Netherlands, Chipolopolo forward Jacob Mulenga came off the bench on the hour as Utrecht drew 1-1 with PEC Zwolle while Clifford Mulenga struck as SuperSport thumped Orlando Pirates 3-0 on Saturday.

“The team will camp in Botswana till Thursday,” Cranes media officer Katende Malibu stated.

Line-up v Botswana:

Muwonge, Guma, Walusimbi, Ssali, Isinde, Wasswa, Wagaluka, Bagoole, Okwi, Sserumaga, Bengo