03 September 2021 | Football

Uganda Cranes kicked off their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign by picking a point off Kenya Harambee Stars at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.

Uganda Cranes started the game on a low note with defender Halid Lwaliwa picking up an injury just five minutes into the game. Express Football Club captain Enock Walusimbi was introduced at the heart of defence.

The Cranes had the first attempt on target in the 20th minute from midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga who was playing his first-ever game for the senior team.

Three minutes later, Joseph Ochaya shot off target from about 25 yards out as Uganda settled into the game. Moses Waiswa had a free-kick fly wide towards the half-hour before 

Milton Karisa was brought down in what could have been a penalty decision that was instead turned into a free-kick.

Uganda Cranes lost captain Emmanuel Arnold Okwi to injury towards the very end of the first half and did not return for the second with Derrick Nsibambi taking his place after the break.

There were no clear opportunities from either side as Uganda earned its first point of the campaign that head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic was content with.

“The campaign is officially off and a point is good enough. We still have to iron out goal-scoring issues and at one stage, I believe we would have been given a penalty,” said Micho.

Uganda Cranes XI: Charles Lukwago, Denis Iguma, Isaac Muleme, Halid Lwaliwa, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Moses Waiswa Ndohondi, Milton Karisa, Emmanuel Arnold Okwi – Captain, 7), Joseph Benson Ochaya (2)

Subs: Isima Bin Rashid Watenga, Joel Mutakubwa, Innocent Wafula Esimu, Gavin Kizito Mugweri, Abdul Aziizi Kayondo, Ibrahim Orit, Richard Basangwa, Steven Desse Mukwala, Derrick Nsibambi, Yunus Sentamu, Mustapha Kizza, Enock Walusimbi

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