International Build Up:
- Iraq 1-0 Uganda Cranes
Uganda Cranes lost 1-0 to the Iraq national team during at international build up game played at the Al-Shohada International Stadium in Baghdad city on Friday, 21st January 2022.
Alaa Abbas Abdulnabi Al-Fartoosi was the hero with the only goal of the match before a fully packed stadium of about 60,000 spectators.
Al-Fartoosi volleyed home with an acrobatic kick following a well delivered cross from the right.
Iraq defended in numbers for the rest of the match denying the CECAFA region member country spaces and any opportunities to find the back of the net.
Uganda Cranes technical bench started with Chippa United goalkeeper Isima Bin Rashid Watenga in between the goal posts.
The backline had Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Abdul-Azizi Kayondo, Enock Walusimbi and Halid Lwaliwa.
BUL’s George Kasonko was the holding midfielder with Rogers Mato and Milton Karisa providing the assisting roles.
The trio of Henry Patrick Kaddu, Yunus Junior Sentamu and Steven Desse Mukwala led the quest of the goals.
Midfielder Chris Pius Akena earned his debut with the Uganda Cranes. When he replaced Milton Karisa with 20 minutes to play.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic hailed the Football Federation of Iraq and the Government for the international football experience.
“We have picked important lessons from this international build up match against Iraq. We thank the FA, Government and everybody who enabled this match. There are crucial learning points from such a build-up” Micho revealed moments after the match.
Uganda Cranes face Bahrain on 27th January 2022.
Uganda Cranes XI: Isima Bin Rashid Watenga (G.K), Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Abdul-Azizi Kayondo, Enock Walusimbi, Halid Lwaliwa, George Kasonko, Rogers Mato, Milton Karisa, Henry Patrick Kaddu, Yunus Junior Sentamu, Steven Desse Mukwala
Changes: 46’ Steven Mukwala – OUT, Martin Kizza ON; 60’ Yunus Junior Sentamu OUT, Mohamed Shaban ON; Rogers Mato ON, Ashraf Mugume OUT; 70’ Milton Karisa OUT, Chris Akena ON; Bright Anukani ON, Patrick Henry Kaddu ON
Substitutes Not Used: Benjamin Ochan (G.K), Jack Komakech (G.K), Innocent Esimu Wafula, Eric Ssenjobe, Najib Fesali, Travis Mutyaba
