DR Congo, Uganda lose World Cup warm-ups

PIC: The Uganda Cranes players. Photo/File

Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda suffered friendly defeats on Tuesday as they warmed up for 2018 World Cup qualifiers this weekend.

The Congolese lost 1-0 to Kenya at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa and the Ugandans fell 1-0 against Togo at the Stade de Kegue in Lome.

Uganda are away to Ghana on Friday in the opening World Cup group-phase fixture in Africa and DR Congo host Libya in another of the five sections the following day.  

Kenya continued their recent improvement with a surprise win in the Congolese capital thanks to a 62nd-minute goal from Michael Olunga.

The Sweden-based striker pushed a rebound into the net from close range after Paul Were struck a post from a tight angle.

Harambee Stars succeeded despite lacking star midfielder Victor Wanyama, who could not reach Kinshasa in time after helping Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester City 2-0 in the English Premier League at the weekend.

Another Sweden-based striker, Atakora Lalawele, was the 30th-minute match-winner for 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers Togo.

Uganda beat Togo 3-0 at home and 1-0 away last November in a qualifying tie for the World Cup group stage.

Togo host Mozambique on Saturday in another friendly.