Uganda Cranes secured an impressive 2-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in an international friendly match played on Friday afternoon in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Goals from forward James Bogere and Kevin Owusu Boateng sealed the win for the Cranes in the test match.
Bogere handed Uganda an early lead in the seventh minute, capitalising on a defensive blunder after the DRC goalkeeper misplayed a pass while trying to build up play from the back.
Despite trailing early, the Leopards dominated possession for large stretches of the first half, but lacked the clinical edge to capitalise on their chances.
The Cranes nearly doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Boateng played Bogere through on goal, but the striker failed to convert in a one-on-one situation.
DRC came close to equalising just before the interval, but Theo Bongonda’s sharp effort shaved the post and went wide.
Uganda doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half. Boateng applied a cool finish to cap off a slick team move initiated by midfielder Abdoulaye Sissako.
Cranes head coach Paul Put utilised his bench late in the second half, handing minutes to Richard Basangwa, Frank Ssebuufu, Joseph Sseremba, and Saddam Masereka.
Ssebuufu almost added a third in the 82nd minute, but his powerful strike bounced off the crossbar.
The two sides will face off again in a second training match on Monday, October 5.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI:
David Akpa (GK), Gavin Kizito, Geofrey Lubange Kene, Allan Oyirwoth, Denis Omedi, Abdoulaye Sissako, Hillary Mukundane, James Bogere, Herbert Achayi, Kelvin Boateng, Jonathan Odongo.
