The Cranes fail to fly in Kenya as World cup journey starts on low key

Rosemary Nassiwa

It may be judged as glass half full rather glass half empty by many but if Uganda are to progress out group E of the World qualifiers to Qatar 2020, they will have to up their game.

They have this evening failed to break a second string Kenyan side that was lacking their biggest starman Mugabe Wanyama.

Judging by the fact that the biggest threat Mali started their campaign on a high by beating Rwanda 2-0 in Agadir, Uganda are now under pressure to react against the same opponent on Monday at Kitende.

Uganda were handed a defensive blow just inside the 7th minute after kick off when defender Halid Lwaliwa sustained an injury with which he couldn’t carry on.

Enoc Walusimbi, Juuko’s defensive partner at Express FC was the automatic choice to replace Lwaliwa and Micho went for the obvious.

Uganda were presented with a glorious opportunity to go infront when Milton Karisa was brought down at the edge of the box.

Center referee Mahmood El Saad had initially pointed to the penalty spot but his assistant advised for a free kick.

TP Mazembe defender Joseph Ochaya refused to abide by his coach’s instructions despite Micho’s insistence on the free kick to ne taken by a more effective Bobosi Byaruhanga. Ochaya’s delivery was as bad as his decision to rebel against his coach’s ideas.

On 66 minutes, Joseph Ochaya and Moses Waiswa were withdrawn for Ibrahim Orit and Mustafa Kiiza.

The two substitutes injected more pace and urgency but that’s the beat they could in as far as impacting the game.

Micho threw on Uganda Premier league topscorer Yunus Sentamu in the 85th minute but his introduction was too late to make a serious contribution.

Uganda are now second on the group log which is led by initial favourites Mali who beat Rwanda 2-0 in Agadir Morocco yesterday.

The Cranes will next host Mali at St. Mary’s stadium Kitende, whereas Kenya will visit Kigali for their next outing.