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International Friendly Match: Uganda Cranes 0-0 Turkmenistan
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There are a massive 57 places that separate 136th ranked Asian country from 79th Uganda on the FIFA Rankings.
The variation aside, Turkmenistan gave Uganda a worthy run of their money, out-stretching the CECAFA giants to a non-scoring stalemate during an international friendly game played at the New York University play ground in Abu Dhabi.
Uganda Cranes fielded largely an experimental side with team captain and number one goal keeper Dennis Onyango rested for Adama City’s Robert Odongkara.
In Onyango’s absence, Croatian based forward Faruku Miya, who turns out for HNK Grocia captained the side.
Miya hit the cross bar from a distant free-kick in what seemed to be the most clear cut scoring opportunity for Uganda Cranes.
There were a few positives recorded with the offensive options from winger Abdu Lumala earning his first start and cap for the Uganda Cranes as well as Alexis David Bbakka who was introduced later in the second half for Patrick Henry Kaddu.
Allan Kyambadde also paved way for Simba Sports Club’s Emmanuel Arnold Okwi at the very start of the second half.
Uganda ended the game with 10 men following a sending off for defender Murushid Jjuuko in the second stanza of the game.
Miya also got close in the second half with another direct free-kick.
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There were a couple of changes in the second half.
Simba talisman Okwi came on for KCCA’s Kyambadde at the start of the second half.
Swedish based forward Bbakka earned his debut when he took Kadddu’s slot after 55 minutes.
Nico Wakiro Wadada and Joseph Benson Ochaya replaced Bevis Mugabi and Abdu Lumala respectively after 67 minutes.
The un-used substitutes in the game were; Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Ibrahim Sadam Jume, Paul Derrick Nsibambi, Kirizestom Ntambi, Allan Kateregga, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda.
Onyango, midfielder Michael Azira, Isaac Muleme and the injured Moses Waiswa did not appear on the match day squad.
Uganda Cranes’ head coach Sebastien Desabre and the rest of the techincal team used the build up to assess the players before submitting the final 23 man list to CAF.
Uganda’s next international friendly match will be against Ivory Coast in Abu Dhabi on 15th June 2019 and it will be open to the public.
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Uganda Cranes XI:
Robert Odongkara (G.K), Bevis Mugabi (67′ Nico Wakiro Wadada), Godfrey Walusimbi, Timothy Awany, Murushid Jjuuko, Tadeo Lwanga, Aucho Khalid, Allan Kyambadde (46′ Emmanuel Arnold Okwi), Faruku Miya (Captain), Patrick Henry Kaddu (55′ Alexis David Bbakka), Abdu Lumala (67′ Joseph Benson Ochaya)
Subs Not Used:
Salim Omar Magoola (G.K), Ibrahim Sadam Jume, Paul Derrick Nsibambi, Kirizestom Ntambi, Allan Kateregga, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda
Turkmenistan XI:
Orazmuhammedov Mammet, Annagulyyev Guychmyrat, Soyunov Shohrat, Saparov Mekan, Ylyasov Vezirgeldi, Batyrov Gurbangeldi, Amanov Arslanmyrat (Captain), Vahyt Orazsahedov, Artur Gerorkyan, Annadurdyyev Altymyrat, Geldiyev Serdar
Subs:
Diniyev Meylis, Seyitmuhammedov Dovletmyrat, Merdan Gurbanov, Ashyrov Gurbanguly, Abdy Bashimov, Yhlas Magtymov, Resul Hojayev, Rahat Japarov, Bahtiyar Gurgenov
Match Officials:
- Centre Referee: Hamad Ali Yousef (United Arab Emirates)
- Assistant Referee 1: Ahmed Alrashdi (United Arab Emirates)
- Assistant Referee 2: Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi (United Arab Emirates)
- Fourth Official: Omar Muhamed Alali (United Arab Emirates)
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But what is wrong with Desabre?,
Which combinations was he trying ?ie
a)Bevis Mugabi as a right back!!!!!!, the guy is more conformable as a central defender. ,
b) Murushid Juuko,+Awany Denis, You need one at a time. these two play the same role.
c) Tadeo Lwanga and Aucho Khalid!!!!!, also you need one at time. They play the same role.
Desabre should not make our team, a defending team only. Why should he target for draws?,
We need mid-fielders who can connect both the defence and the striking line.
We are watching his tactics with vigilance.
regards
it z a shame that we did not win against such a weak team
i think it was a case of just throwing players in there to see what the can do individually. we shall asses the strength of our team on saturday when we play cote de vore. im guessing desabre will use his A team. he will change like 1 or 2 players on the team that will pay the first game at afcon, which is a must win.
To be honest, i have up to now failed to understand desebre’s system and preffered style of play. if we field a deffensive team, we shall not progress past group stage.
Let him taste whatever he wants (trial match) fitness, composure & many more, hopefully we see in next fixture before tournament..
come on uganda.we need to win against ivory coast
who summoned these players
Go Uganda. We will go far. But I think is raising some key issues. The player selection. Anyway the coach is unpredictable. I hope he doesn’t drop Miya or Onyango when choosing the last 23.? anyway that’s a joke
Fred**
let him do whatever he wants to do with the team, he has knows how to put himself in the right position at the right time
Im just waiting for the final 23 and hooe murshids red doesnt count in the tournament proper