Egypt 2 Uganda Cranes 0

By Norman Katende

International friendly

Egypt 2 Uganda 0

Wednesday

Iraq v Uganda

TWO goals in either half saw Uganda’s new look team bow down to the Egyptian Pharaohs in an international friendly played at the Air Force stadium on Monday night.

Egypt, who were rehearsing for their 2014 World Cup play-off first leg match against Ghana due October 15 won after Ahmed Eid took advantage of a defensive lapse to find the back of the net before Hazem Emam scored from a counter attack to stretch the host’s lead in the second half.

But it was not all lost for Uganda’s coach Micho Sredojevic, who was impressed with the team’s lack of creativity. Striker Frank Kalanda came so close to netting a consolation but he could only blast over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat on 77 minutes.

The result that had over 10 players earning their maiden caps, served as motivation to Micho who was optimistic that with more exposure, better performances will eventually come.

The last time Micho played against Egypt on August 14 with a more experienced team, Uganda lost 3-0 in El Gouna.

Uganda is scheduled to play against Iraq in Jordan on Wednesday night in another international friendly as they prepare for the Africa Championships due in South Africa in January next year and the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup due in Nairobi in November.

CRANES XI: Benjamin Bwete, Ayub Kisaliita, Brian Majwega, Richard Kassaga (C), Savio Kabugo, Manko Kaweesa, Saidi Kyeyune, Joseph Mpande, Nicholas Wadada, Frank Kalanda, Simon Okwi.