Monday, January 1
*Zambia 0-2 Uganda
*Cameroon Vs Niger – 8pm
Uganda Cranes beat Micho’s Zambia Chipolopolo to pick their first win of the ongoing Pre-CHAN Mini Tournament in Yaounde,
Viane Ssekajugo scored the opener in the 25th minute when he bundled home from close range after goalkeeper Charles Kalumba spilled Ibrahim Orit’s cross in the 24th minute.
The keeper could later suffer another nightmare for the second goal – He deflected in his own net after he was turned in and out by Steven Mukwala at the hour-mark.
Coach Jonathan Mckinstry only retained Tonny Mawejje in the team that fought back to draw Cameroon and will be convinced by the performance of his players.
The victory sees Mckinstry and his charges skip the hurdle of former Cranes coach Micho who guided Uganda back to AFCON in 2017 after 39-year absence.
Substitute Shaban Muhammed got the best chance to make it three for Uganda but headed an inch wide from Paul Willa’s well weighed cross.
In the opening minutes, Cranes goalkeeper Alionzi Nafian denied Emmanuel Chabila but Zambia rarely threatened thanks to a solid Cranes defence commanded by captain Halid Lwaliwa.
Leading 1-0, Uganda were almost pegged back but Zambia were unluck after Chabula’s effort rattled the woodwork in the first stanza.
Collins Sikombe had an effort over the bar while left back Zachariah Chilongoshi saw his well weighed cross unattended to, as Zambia tried to pull one back.
Zambia remain on one point following their 3-3 draw with Niger and will face hosts Cameroon next Thursday.
With four points from two games, Uganda will return to action against Niger on Thursday.
The Cranes have never progressed past the group stages of CHAN and will hope they will be in good shape come finals’ tournament which starts on January 16.
McKinstry’s side is in group C alongside defending champions Morocco, Togo and neighbours Rwanda.
Players Used
Uganda XI – Alionzi Nafian (GK), Ssenjobe Eric, Willa Paul, Hassan Muhammod, Lwaliwa Halid (C), Bobosi Byaruhanga, Mawejje Tony, Kyeyune Saidi, Ssekajugo Viane, Orit Ibrahim, Mukwala Steven.
Substitutes – Joel Mutakubwa, Tom Ikara, Aziz Kayondo Ashraf Mandela, Musitafa Mujuzi, Hassan Muhammad, Shafiq Kagimu, Karim Watambala, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Ben Ocen, Joseph Ssemujju, Milton Karisa, Mohamed Shaban
Zambia XI – Charles Kalumba, Adrian Chama (C), Zachariah Chilongoshi, Benedict Chepeshi, Clement Mwape, Kelvin Kapumbu, Paul Katema, Bruce Musakanya, Collins Sikombe, Moses Phiri, Emmanuel Chabula
Substitutes – Lameck Siame, Patrick Chooma, Richard Nyirenda, Golden Mafwenta, Kondwani Chiboni, Dominic Chanda, Benson Sakala, Chaniza Zulu, Spencer Sautu, Leonard Mulenga, Jack Chirwa, Friday Samu, Albert Kangwanda
