EGYPT 2-0 UGANDA
A goal in each half from Ahmed Eid and Hazem Emam was all Egypt needed to beat Uganda 2-0 in a friendly game played at Airforce stadium in Cairo. Ahmed Eid gave the hosts a seventh minute lead after beating custodian Benjamin Ochan with a volley at the far post after a brilliant cross from the right. The Cranes thought they had leveled matters moments later but Simon Okwi’s goal was ruled for offside. The first half should have yielded more goals as both sides had opportunities but failed to put them away.
In Uganda’s case, Frank Kalanda and Simon Okwi were culprits for missing glorious opportunities while Brian Majwega playing as a left fullback hit the cross bar. Like Majwega, Egypt’s Shikabala also hit the post after his shot had beaten Ochan.
After recess, both Coaches made immediate changes with Bob Bradley introducing Bassem Ali and Hazem Emam for Omar Gaber and Mohamed Ibrahim respectively while Micho brought on Moses Feni Ali for debutant Simon Okwi. In the 58th minute, Micho made another change with Simon Namwanja replacing Manko Kaweesa a move meant to push Majwega upfront in search for a goal but it was Egypt on the score sheet again with substitute Hazem Emam doubling The Pharaohs lead towards the 70th minute.
In a surprise move, second half substitute Moses Feni Ali was later replaced by Kiira Young midfielder Brian Nkuubi. Uganda should have at least got a consolation but URA FC striker Frank Kalanda was again at fault for missing a one on one opportunity.
The loss was Micho’s fourth since replacing Bobby Williamson as Cranes head Coach in May. Coincidentally, all the four losses have come in North Africa twice against Egypt and one piece against Libya and Senegal who hosted their final group J game in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Casablanca, Morocco.
Uganda’s last meeting with Egypt ended in a 3-0 win for the latter in a friendly played in El Gouna on August 14.
Egypt Pharaohs Line Up:
El-Shennawy, Omar Gaber (Bassem Ali), Okka, Mahmoud Alaa, Abdel-Shafy, El-Sulaya, Abd-Rabo, Mohamed Ibrahim (Hazem Emam), Ahmed Eid, Shikabala, Hamoudi
Uganda Cranes Line Up:
Benjamin Ochan, Ayub Kisaliita, Brian Majwega, Richard Kasagga (Cpt), Savio Kabugo, Manko Kaweesa (Simon Namwanja), Said Kyeyune, Joseph Mpande, Nicholas Wadada, Frank Kalanda and Simon Okwi (Feni Moses Ali [Brian Nkubi]).
