Uganda Cranes recorded a 2-2 draw against Sudan as the two countries clashed off in an international friendly game played on Tuesday in Tunisia.
Both countries are preparing for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) that starts on Friday next week in Algeria.
It was Uganda who opened the scoring in the game played at Jamel Stadium thanks to a close range finish by Karim Watambala in just the first minute.
Thus lead didn’t last long as Sudan equalized five minutes later through Muhammad Abdulrahman who converted from the spot after Derrick Ndahiro had fouled in the box.
Ibrahim Orit restored parity for the Cranes in the 13th minute when he found space inside the area before choosing to take a low drive into the bottom left corner.
A well laid cross from Ndahiro on the left found Orit unmarked and he took his time to direct a ground effort into the back of the net.
The Cranes held on to lead 2-1 at the break and the coach made some changes upon resumption.
The first changes saw Marvin Youngman and Moses Aliro replace Siraje Ssentamu and Orit respectively.
In the 65th minute, Sudan were able to find the equalizer through Siddig Kuwa.
There were further changes for Uganda with James Begisa, Isa Mubiru, Najib Yiga, Nelson Ssenkatuka, Bright Anukani and Travis Mutyaba all coming on in the second half with Ashiraf Mandela, Ndahiro, Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu and Karisa paving way.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic was impressed with the performance picking some positives.
“We have been able to identify our strengths and grey areas. We created several chances but we couldn’t put them away. It is one area we need to address ahead of the next two friendlies,” he said.
Uganda Cranes will have two more friendly games against Cameroon and Mali on Thursday and Sunday respectively before leaving Tunisia for Algeria.
Uganda is in group B alongside Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi, Ashiraf Mandela, Derrick Ndahiro, Geoffrey Wasswa, Hillary Mukundane, Siraje Ssentamu, Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Ibrahim Orit, Milton Karisa (C)
Substitutes
Jack Komakech(GK), Joel Mutakubwa(GK), James Begisa, Isa Mubiru, Gift Fred, Kenneth Ssemakula, Marvin Youngman, Bright Anukani, Najib Yiga, Nelson Senkatuka, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba, Moses Aliro, Rogers Kassim Mato
