Wednesday, June 8
•Uganda 1-1 Niger
Uganda Cranes were held to a 1-1 draw against Niger in a Group F game of the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers at Kitende.
The Cranes were on course to pick maximum points after going ahead through Milton Karisa.
But Mahamadou Amadou Sabo leveled it for the visitors in the 71st minute to silence Kitende.
It’s a poor result that extends Cranes poor start in the campaign after the side were well beaten by Algeria in the opener.
Uganda were the better side especially in the first half but wasted a couple of opportunities before Karisa’s intended cross swung into the not.
Niger, who drew 1-1 against Taifa Stars last week, were composed and played with a lot of patience.
And their reward came into a beautiful goal by Amadou who was given a lot of space before sending his effort far beyond Charles Lukwago’s reach.
Draw Big Block To Ivory Coast
After the 2-0 loss to Algeria, Uganda needed a quick response on Wednesday.
But it’s two points lost, and it could have been worse in the added minutes but Niger failed to put away two good chances including a good save to deny Ibrahim Djibrila Issa.
Micho will take much of the blame for puting his trust in Young right back Gavin Kizito as the Villa defender failed to repay the coach’s faith with another poor show.
His crosses were lacking while his defending had many question marks, as it was against Algeria.
All that could have been forgotten if Farouk Miya converted his chances in the first half, and when he was taken off for Allan Kyambadde in the second half, the fans applauded the decision.
He initially scored but goal was correctly ruled out for offisde, and later fluffed a keeper to beat chance when he shot weakly.
Another wasted Miya chance came few minutes later when he was picked by Aziz Kayondo, but he was not up to the task as he fired wide.
Fahad Bayo also found himself at the end of Emmanuel Okwi’s assist but looked rusty and another chance went to waste.
Niger barely threatened until towards the end of the first half when Lukwago who had a quite day easily collected a freekick from Amadou Djibo.
Substitute Kyambadde had a weak shot collected by the keeper when he was set by Bobosi Byaruhanga who earlier had a couple of shots way wide and over.
Algeria, Tanzania and Niger looked a fair draw for Uganda Cranes in their bid to return to Africa Cup of Nations given that top two teams qualify to finals in Ivory Coast next year.
But after two games, Cranes have one point to show and now Ivory Coast looks out of our reach.
A double header against Neighbours Tanzania in September looks more tricky while Algeria at home is a big one before ending the campaign against Niger on the road.
There is still time to reorganize, but from the first two games, work is cut out for Micho and Cranes.
Players Used
Uganda Cranes XI – Charles Lukwago, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Aziz Kayondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Bevis Mugabi, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Farouk Miya, Milton Karisa, Fahad Bayo Aziz, Emmanuel Okwi
Substitutes – Alionzi Nafian, Denis Otim, Mutyaba Muzamir, Marvin Youngman, Shaban Muhammad Jagason, Steven Sserwadda, Allan Okello, Allan Kyambadde, Isaac Muleme, Elvis Bwomono, Martin Kizza, Enock Walusimbi
Niger – Kassali Daouda, Abdel Rahim Alhassen, Daniel Sosah, Adamaou Garba, Youssouf Oumarou, Adebayo Zakari, Amadou Djibou, abdoulaye Karim, Ousman Dramane, Boubacar Moumouni
