After ‘Shitty’ Football in Kenya: Uganda’s Cranes shifts focus to Mali match at Kitende

The Uganda Cranes team has shifted their second Group E game against Mali in the FIFA  World Cup 2022 qualifiers after playing to a goalless draw away to Kenya.

On Thursday Uganda Cranes kick started their campaign with a goalless draw against Harambee Stars of Kenya, while their next opponents Mali beat Rwanda 1-0 in their opening tie.

The Cranes who were playing their first competitive game under the stewardship of coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic played a highly defensive approach for almost the entire 90 minutes at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

Uganda will now raise their heads high for a home advantage against Mali in an encounter slated for September 6th at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

However, coach Micho’s side was hit by two forced substitutions, skipper Emmanuel Okwi and Halid Lwaliwa who were stretchered off injured before the break.

Sredojevic siad his team had a big task of stopping Kenya’s sharp striker Micheal Olunga which they succeeded in.

Now, Micho believes playing against Kenya was good exposure for a Uganda Cranes team that is undergoing transition.

Uganda will enter their clash against Mali on Monday knowing that they are joint second in group E with Kenya with only one point. A win against Mali will automatically put them top of the group depending on what happens in the game between Rwanda and Kenya.

Ahmed Hussein, FUFA’s Communications director said the opponents Mali arrive in the country on Saturday and hold their final training session at the St. Mary’s Stadium on Sunday.