McKinstry off to winning start as Cranes coach

Ethiopia 0 Uganda 1

Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry got off to a winning start on Sunday as Uganda beat Ethiopia.

McKinstry had all reason to be very optimistic as he began his three-year contract with an away win over Ethiopia.

The new tactician couldn't have also had a better rehearsal for his upcoming opening away Nations Cup qualifier next month against Burkina Faso.

Emma Okwi, who turns out for Egyptian premier league side Al Ittihad, got the winner 20 minutes into the international friendly.

It was an inspiring show for skipper Dennis Onyango and his team considering that the match was played at 1800 meters above sea level.

That in effect meant less oxygen and therefore a more straining game compared to Kampala's altitude of 1,190m.

The Cranes now have their opening Group B match to prepare for. Malawi and Seychelles are the other teams in Uganda's pool.

The away win could also serve as a good omen for Uganda considering that the Cranes have not always been very good travellers.

Uganda suffered a first half injury with Kiriezestom Ntambi replacing Allan Kyambadde.

There was later a double substitution for Kizito Luwagga and Ronald Mukiibi by Moses Opondo and Nicholas Wadada.

Striker Patrick Kaddu also got injured and had to be replaced by Isaac Muleme.

Statistics of matches between the two countries since 1962 further improved in favour of Uganda. Uganda has now beaten Ethiopia 16 times, drawn 9 games and lost 14.

Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango (capt), Ronald Mukiibi (Nicholas Wadada), Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Bevis Mugabi, Taddeo Lwanga, Emma Okwi, Allan Kyambadde (Kirizestom Ntambi), Abdu Lumala, Patrick Kaddu (Isaac Muleme), Kizito Luwagga (Moses Opondo).