The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP |
Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda suffered friendly defeats on Tuesday as they warmed up for 2018 World Cup qualifiers this weekend.
The Congolese lost 1-0 to Kenya at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa and the Ugandans fell 1-0 against Togo at the Stade de Kegue in Lome.
Uganda, who qualified earlier for their first Nations Cup finals since 1978, are away to Ghana on Friday in the opening World Cup group-phase fixture in Africa and DR Congo host Libya in another of the five sections the following day.
Kenya continued their recent improvement with a surprise win in the Congolese capital thanks to a 62nd-minute goal from Michael Olunga.
The Sweden-based striker pushed a rebound into the net from close range after Paul Were struck a post from a tight angle.
Harambee Stars succeeded despite lacking star midfielder Victor Wanyama, who could not reach Kinshasa in time after helping Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester City 2-0 in the English Premier League at the weekend.
Another Sweden-based striker, Atakora Lalawele, was the 30th-minute match-winner for 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers Togo.
Uganda beat Togo 3-0 at home and 1-0 away last November in a qualifying tie for the World Cup group stage.
Togo host Mozambique on Saturday in another friendly.
Uganda starting XI :
Salim Jamal, Nicholas Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Murshid Juuko, Isaac Isinde, Denis Iguma, Hassan Wasswa, Khalid Aucho, Kizito Luwagga, Faruku Miya, Geoffrey Massa (Captain).
Subs: Benjamin Ochan (GK), Kizito Geoffrey, Kiiza Hamis, Santamun Yunus, Joseph Ochaya, Mawejje Tony, Oloya Moses.
