Uganda’s National Men’s Football team; Uganda Cranes Friday suffered defeat at the hands of Tanzania as the two teams faced off on in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
In the game played at Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, the Taifa Stars got a 1-0 win, with Simon Msuva scoring the lone goal of the game in the second half.
The defeat was Cranes’ second loss in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, following a prior 2-0 defeat to Algeria nine months ago which puts them in a more precarious position with regard to their prospects of clinching a coveted spot in the continental showpiece.
Despite efforts from Uganda, the Taifa Stars of Tanzania were able to defend and take all three points.
Micho swung in three changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Steven Sserwadda, Isma Mugulusi and Richard Basangwa with Siraje Ssentamu, Fahad Bayo and Faruku all paving way.
There were further changes with Allan Okello and Rogers Mato replacing Emmanuel Okwi and Sserwadda who got injured.
The two teams will meet on Tuesday 28th March 2023 for the return leg of the qualification hurdle in Dar es Salaam.
Micho, despite the loss, remains optimistic, saying that the defeat has served to highlight the critical areas that require improvement if the Uganda Cranes are to successfully secure their place in the AFCON tournament
Uganda Cranes starting XI
Salim Omar Magoola (GK), Kenneth Ssemakula, Abdu Aziizi Kayondo, Halidi Lwaliwa, Livingstone Mulondo, Khalid Aucho, Emmanuel Okwi(C), Fahad Bayo, Faruku Miya, Joseph Ochaya
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