Uganda Cranes edged Eastern Region select 1-0 during the regional tour encounter at the Mbale Municipal Stadium on Saturday, 25th September 2021.
Second half substitute Joackim Ojera scored the lone goal in the 52nd minute.
Ojera scored past goalkeeper Edward Kasibante after a corner kick from Julius Poloto was headed straight to the goalkeeper by Brian Aheebwa.
In the first half, Julius Poloto came close with a distant shot on target saved by goalkeeper Kasibante.
Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Nafiani Alionzi saved a one against one with Edmond Wabonka as Nassur Nadala and Emma Mukisa.
There were wholesome changes for both teams in the second half to give the different players opportunities to feature.
Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic was happy for the result and the second half performance from the team.
‘It was a spirited performance from the team especially in the second half. This is the start of the preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2022 double header qualifiers against Rwanda with the locally based players and later the foreign based players shall join in’ Micho told the media after the match.
Eastern region select team head coach Godfrey “Toldo” Awachango was full of praise for the performance but ruined the missed goal scoring opportunities.
‘We staged a gallant performance against Uganda Cranes and we could easily have won the game if we had converted the goal scoring opportunities created. This is a great moment for the young players to build their confidence ahead of their respective careers’ Awachango noted.
The regional tours are jointly funded by Airtel Uganda and Nile Breweries Limited, under the Nile Special brand.
Team Line Ups:
Eastern Region XI: Edward Kasibante (G.K), Stephen Namisi, Peter Lusibula (Captain), Ibrahim Pengere, Tiff Kahandi, Isma Kaliaswa, Francis Odongo, Farhadi Aneku, Edmond Wabonka, Emma Mukisa, Nassur Nadala
Substitutes: Stephen Makumba (G.K), Edmond Otim, Lawrence Olabaro, Raymond Othieno, Usama Kayeba, Saadi Ismail, Zanuni Mugooya, Bosco Luyonlo, Bonifancesio Chideko, Ivan Jackuma
Uganda Cranes XI: Alionzi Nafian (G.K), Innocent Wafula, Herbert Achai, Najib Fesali, Denis Iguma (Captain), Patrick Mbowa, Shafik Kagimu, Rogers Mato, Sadat Anaku, Jude Semugabi, Julius Poloto
Substitutes: Simon Tamale (G.K), Jack Komakech (G.K), Geofrey Wasswa, Musa Ramadhan, Mandela Ashraf, Ibrahim Wamana, Ashraf Mugume, Joackim Ojera, George Kaddu, Mubarak Nsubuga, Brian Aheebwa, Davis Kasirye
