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Uganda play to two draws in CHAN build up friendlies

Uganda players celebrate one of their goals. PHOTO/FUFA
  • Uganda is camping in Tunisia ahead of the Africa Nations Championship
  • They have played against Cameroon and Sudan
  • Ethiopia will be camping in Morocco

Uganda Cranes have played to consecutive draws in their first set of two friendly matches in their Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) training camp in Tunisia. The Cranes played to a 1-1 draw with Cameroon, having earlier on played to a 2-2 draw against fellow East African side Sudan.

Against Cameroon, Uganda came from a goal down to play to the draw. Midfielder Moses Waiswa came off the bench in the second half to curl home a brilliant freekick from a tight angle.

Cameroon took the lead in the 40th minute through Kemaju Debami who rushed into the area to head the ball beyond the keeper.

In the first game against fellow East African side Sudan, Uganda opened the scoring thanks to a close range finish by Karim Watambala inside the first minute.

However, the lead was short lived with Sudan levelling matters five minutes later through Muhammad Abdulrahman who converted from the spot after Derrick Ndahiro had fouled in the box.

In the 13th minute, Ibrahim Orit restored the lead for Uganda when he found space inside the area before choosing to take a low drive into the bottom left corner.

In the 65th minute, Sudan were able to find the equalizer through Siddig Kuwa.

Coach Micho impressed with the performance 

Uganda in action against Cameroon. PHOTO/FUFA

Coach Milutin Sredojevic believes the two friendly games played so far help in forming the core of the team and knowing what needs to improve.

“After 180 minutes, we have scored three goals and that is important. We have seen the areas we need to address going forward. We gave some players who didn’t start against Sudan some time and this gave us a proper assessment of where we stand.” He said.

Uganda will have another friendly game on Sunday, playing against Mali who are also preparing for CHAN.

The Cranes are playing in their sixth consecutive CHAN tournament and have been drawn in group B with Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal.

Ethiopia arrive in Morocco 

Ethiopia players training in Morocco. PHOTO/Ethiopia FF

Meanwhile, another East African side Ethiopia has arrived in Morocco, where they will pitch camp ahead of the tournament to be staged in Algeria.

Coach Yohanes Sahle has named a travelling squad of 25 for Morocco, where they will pitch up training and play some friendly matches as well.

The team is expected to face off with Morocco’s CHAN team in two friendly matches on Saturday and Monday before they depart for Algeria.

Coach Sahle says he is pleased to have a training camp to help the team prepare. “This is a good opportunity for us to train well as a team and work on our structure and tactics. The two friendly matches will also help gauge where we are as a team.”

Ethiopia’s Walia Ibex are making a return to the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) for the first time since 2016. They have been drawn in group A for the tournament and will square out with hosts Algeria, Libya and Mozambique.

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