Micho hopes for a better performance against Senegal

International friendlies

Result

Ethiopia 0 Uganda 0

Tuesday, 6pm

Senegal v Uganda

Nations Cup qualifier

Saturday

Cape Verde v Uganda Cranes

At Estádio da Várzea

Cranes coach Micho Sredejovic hopes that the friendly against Senegal will help bring the best out of his side's attack before Saturday's Nations Cup qualifier against Cape Verde.

In the aftermath of Cranes' goalless draw against Ethiopia on Saturday, the Serbian insisted that the game helped him understand some of his players.

And as Cranes prepare to battle the Lions of Teranga in Dakar, Micho hopes for a better performance.

"Our players needed more playing time before the big match against Cape Verde. Since some of the players have not been active, we needed this friendly. Hassan Wasswa and Farouk Miya have not been active at their clubs. Now we have rough picture of how to handle the situation," Micho said after the game.

Micho surprisingly travelled to Ethiopia without half the squad that represented Uganda at the 2017 Nations Cup finals.

Experienced stars Moses Oloya, Luwagga Kizito, Geoffrey Kizito, Isaac Isinde, Tony Mawejje, Denis Iguma, Salim Magoola and Mike Aziira are not part of the team that is preparing for the opening 2019 Nations Cup qualifier against Cape Verde on Saturday.

However, five KCCA players Geoffrey Sserunkuuma and team captain Denis Onyango will join the team today.

On Saturday, Farouk Miya, Wasswa, Emmanuel Okwi and Chrizestom Ntambi looked a little rusty while Murushid Jjuuko and Bernard Muwanga showed that if given more opportunity, they can be very reliable in the central defense.

Micho gave Denmark-based midfielder Robert Kakeeto his debut and his composure on the ball and sense of positioning impressed the coach.

Goalkeeper Ismael Watenga made brilliant saves in both halves of the game including Shameles Bekele's first half volley in the 28th minute.

Ethiopian referee ruled out Khalid Aucho's goal for offside. Aucho had pounced on a rebound.

Ratings: Ismael Watenga 7/10, Nicholas Wadada 6/10, Godfrey Walusimbi 6/10, Murushid Jjuuko 7/10, Bernard Muwanga 7/10, Hassan Wasswa 5/10, Robert Kakeeto 7/10, Khalid Aucho 7/10, Emmanuel Okwi 5/10, Farouk Miya 5/10, Chrizestom Ntambi 4/10

The substitute players were Saidi Keni (didn't play), Savio Kabugo 6/10, Nelson Senkatuka 6/10, Deus Bukenya 6/10, Martin Kiiza 7/10, Milton Karisa 6/10, Muhammad Shaban 7/10