Uganda Cranes fall to Tanzania as CHAN 2024 preparations face early test
The Cranes were largely second-best throughout the match, particularly in the first half, where their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed by the pace and precision of the Taifa Stars' attack.
Courtesy photo
By Yekoyada Saaka
Journalists @New Vision
CECAFA Three Nation Tournament
Tuesday Result
Tanzania 1 Uganda 0
Tomorrow 3pm
Uganda v Senegal
Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso and his players still have significant work to do to be fully prepared for next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, following a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Tanzania in the CECAFA Three Nations Tournament held in Arusha.
The Cranes were largely second-best throughout the match, particularly in the first half, where their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed by the pace and precision of the Taifa Stars' attack. The only goal of the match came in the 14th minute when Iddi Nado was given far too much space to strike from distance. Goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa compounded the mistake by mishandling the shot, parrying the ball into his own net.
Uganda struggled to gain control in midfield, with Tanzania dominating possession and dictating the tempo. The Cranes failed to register a single shot on target in the opening half and offered little threat going forward until the break.
One bright spot for Uganda was the performance of defender Nicholas Mwere, a natural left-back who was deployed out of position in central defence alongside Rogers Torach. Mwere put up a composed and disciplined display, excelling in both defensive duties and ball distribution.
The second half saw some improvement from the Cranes, who managed to retain more possession. However, they still failed to break down a resilient Tanzanian defence. Attempts from Abdul Karim Watambala, Jude Ssemugabi, and Allan Okello lacked the quality to trouble Tanzanian goalkeeper Yakoub Sueleiman who had a relaxed day in office.
Byekwaso made several changes in the second half by bringing on Shafik Kwikiriza, Enock Ssebagala, Arafat Usama, Joel Sserunjogi, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, and Reagan Mpande. These substitutions replaced Okello, Watambala, Ssemugabi, Yunus Sentamu, Marvin Youngman, and Patrick Kakande, respectively. Despite the fresh legs, Uganda could not find an equaliser.
Uganda’s next test comes tomorrow against guest team Senegal at Karatu Stadium. After that, the Cranes will return home to finalize preparations for their CHAN 2024 opener against Algeria on August 4 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.