TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022
Group B
Democratic Republic of Congo 0-0 Uganda
Uganda Cranes began their journey at this year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a goalless draw against Democratic Republic of Congo in the game played on Saturday at Stadium 19th May 1956 in Annaba, Algeria.
Despite marching Democratic Republic of Congo for the larger part of the game, the unending question about inability to score goals came to the fore again.
The lack of efficiency in the final third was evident and coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho highlited the need to do better in the subsequent games.
Uganda started on the front foot with captain Milton Karisa troubling the Congolese on the right wing.
The winger thought he had fired Uganda into the lead midway through the first half but his goal was cancelled for a foul on a Congolese defender.
Waiswa too had the chance to open the scores but his effort from a free kick went a few inches off target.
In the second half, coach Milutin Sredojevic made changes bringing on Titus Ssematimba and Ibrahim Orit for Watambala and Rogers Mato respectively.
There were more changes with Travis Mutyaba, Nelson Senkatuka and Kenneth Semakula all coming on for Karisa, Frank Ssebufu and Waiswa in that order.
Gift Fred nearly snatched all three points for Uganda with four minutes to play when Geofrey Wasswa’s delivery from a free kick found him unmarked in the area but his headed attempt hit the post.
Uganda will shift focus to the next game on Wednesday against Senegal.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi (GK), James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Gift Fred, Geofrey Wasswa, Marvin Youngman, Abdu Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa (C)
Substitutes
Jack Komakech (GK), Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Kenneth Semakula, Hillary Mukundane, Bright Anukani, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba, Nelson Senkatuka, Ibrahim Orit, Moses Aliro