Uganda Cranes suffer defeat to Mali

The Uganda Cranes suffered their first defeat under new interim coach Morley Byekwaso. They suffered a 1-0 defeat to West African giants, Mali.

Besides this game was an just an international friendly played between the two nations in the ongoing international break. Apparently the game happened in Mali at the Stade du 26 Mars.

Byekwaso fielded a strong line up he thought could get a positive result. In the absence of Captain Emma Okwi who wasn’t called up, Yanga SC midfielder Khalid Aucho captained the team.

Both sides played out a goalless first half. In the 57th minute Morley Byekwaso substituted off Elvis Bwomono, Denis Omedi and Rogers Mato for Kenneth Ssemakula, Rogers Mugisha and Richard Basangwa.

However, none of them could impact a game change. It was Mali who found the back of the net in the 76th minute with the game ending in favour of the hosts.

Apparently this game was being used as a precursor by the coach ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in November. Besides the Cranes will kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign against Guinea before playing Somalia a week after.

Meanwhile Ahucho also confirmed the importance of these games ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

“I’m thankful to FUFA for organizing these friendlies. Since our last performance in the AFCON qualifier, all players have maintained their focus and fitness, striving to excel in these two games,” remarked Aucho.