Cecafa, Kakamega, Kenya
Group B, Monday result
Uganda 0-0 Burundi
The Uganda Cranes kicked off their Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup title defence with to a goal-less stalemate with Burundi in Kakamega, Kenya on Monday.
The Group B encounter was a match of missed opportunities for either sides but credit has to go to the respective backlines for stepping up when it mattered.
Cranes coach Moses Basena handed KCCA midfielder Allan Kateregga his debut in national team colours.
The KCCA midfielder put up some impressive displays before being replaced by Uganda Premier League’s (UPL) leading scorer with seven goals, Hood Kaweesa, on 55 minutes as Cranes searched for goals.
Newly crowned Airtel Fufa Most Valuable Player, Muzamiru Mutyaba, also had his moments as he teased and tested the Burundians.
Uganda’s backline including goalkeeper Ben Ochan, Timothy Awany, skipper Bernard Muwanga, Nicholas Wadada and Isaac Muleme were their solid best, blocking attempts at goal from the marauding Burundi forwards.
But in the end it was a game won by defenders and lost by strikers, which leaves both sides with a lot of work to do heading into the next game. Uganda’s next match is on Friday against South Sudan.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI: Benjamin Ochan (GK), Wadada Nicholas, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awany, Bernard Muwanga (C), Taddeo Lwanga, Allan Kyambadde, Derrick Nsibambi, Milton Karisa, Allan Kateregga and Mutyaba Muzamiru.
Changes:
55′ Tadeo Lwanga Out, Nelson Senkatuka In
58′ Allan Kateregga Out, Hood Kaweesa In
66′ Milton Karisa Out, Paul Mucureezi In
Un-used Substitutes:
Watenga Ismail, Ikara Tom, Isiagi Opolot Daniel, Bakaki Shafiq, Nsubuga Joseph, Madoi Aggrey, Saddam Juma Ibrahim, Masiko Tom