As the Uganda Cranes prepare to face off against The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in an international friendly this Wednesday, not many Ugandans fancy facing the North Africans.
Reason. The previous four meetings have all ended in defeat for the CECAFA kings including a 6-0 drubbing at the Stade Olympique El Menzah, Tunis.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga writes re-lives the sad day in Tunisia.
Following a brilliant show against Rwanda’s Amavubi in the preliminary round of the 2000 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers, Uganda was drawn in group 7 of the qualifiers.
In the same group, The Cranes were to face Algeria and George Weah’s Liberia as well for a slot at the Ghana finals.
The Cranes started well in the campaign with a stunning 2-1 win over Algeria in Kampala thanks to a brace from debutant Hassan Mubiru as Dziri netted the visitors consolation.
Next up was Liberia away and the team lost 2-0 with goals from Zizi Roberts and Gebro before an uphill back to back task against Tunisia.
On February 27, 1999, The Cranes were hosted in Tunis seeking their first victory over Tunisia who had before beaten Uganda 3-1 and 3-0 at AFCON 1978 and 1962 respectively.
It turned out to be worse as the hosts humiliated the visitors 6-0 with the first goal coming as early as 13 minutes through Maher Kanzari.
Former Bolton defender Radhi Jaidi doubled the hosts’ lead as the first half ended 2-0 in the visitors’ favour.
Twelve minutes after recess, Mounir Boukadida scored the 3rd, Adel Sellimi made the score 4-0 three minutes later and Faouzi Rouissi (83) and Hassen Gabsi (85) put the icing on the cake.
Current national team goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba was in goal then while Technical Director, Asuman Lubowa was the Cranes Head Coach.
The team had George Ssemwogerere, Phillip Omwony, Hassan Mubiru, Derrick Muyanja, Wilbur Musika, Joseph Mutyaba, Ibrahim Sekagya, Kefa Kisala, James Odoch, Magid Musisi (RIP) and Idd Batambuze.
Uganda Cranes XI: Fred Kajoba (GK), Phillip Obwiny (Hassan Mubiru 59’), Derrick Muyanja, George Ssemwogerere, Wilbur Musika, Joseph Mutyaba, Ibrahim Sekagya, Kefa Kisala, James Odoch (Edward Kalungi 69’), Magid Musisi and Idd Batambuze
FT: Tunisia 6-0 Uganda
