Uganda Cranes secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chad in an International Friendly at Stade Berrechid on Friday evening.
Ikpeazu Uchechukwu and Melvyn Lorenzen were on the score sheet as Uganda secured the victory on the day, with new faces on the team showcasing.
It was a new-look Uganda Cranes as head coach Paul Put tried out his new tools in this trial game as preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continue.
Chad started on the right note, pushing several bodies upfront, which made Uganda’s backline uncomfortable, though with luck on their side, the game remained goalless.
In the 18th minute, Chad’s goalkeeper Mbaynaissem Jourdain tripped lanky forward Ikpeazu in the area before the referee pointed at the spot.
Ikpeazu stepped up on the occasion and smartly slotted the ball into the back of the net as the goalkeeper Mbaynaissem went the wrong way.
With seven minutes on the clock for the opening stanza, Cranes’ custodian Dennis Kiggundu made a massive stop as he denied Tchaouna Haroun in a one-on-one situation.
Coming from the dressing rooms, Uganda started on a high as Melvyn doubled Uganda’s lead with a weighted volley after Chad failed to clear its lines.
In the 64th minute, Tchaouna pulled one for Chad from a penalty kick, hence returning to the discussion of the game.
Goalkeeper Kiggundu stepped up in the 70th minute and palmed away Marius Mouandilmad’s strike to keep his team in the driving seat.
Uganda return to action on Tuesday, September 18, as they take on Morocco in a highly anticipated encounter.