Harambee Stars, Uganda Cranes share spoils in Kampala

Uganda's Tonny Mawejje (right) tries to dribble away from Victor Wanyama Mugubi of Kenya during their International friendly at Mandela Stadium, Namboole in Kampala on August 30, 2016. PHOTO | ISMAIL KEZAALA |

What you need to know:

  • The two East African football powerhouses used the match to warm up for their final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches set for this weekend.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars on Tuesday held hosts Uganda Cranes to a barren draw in an international friendly match at the Namboole Stadium in Kampala.

The two East African football powerhouses used the match to warm up for their final 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches set for this weekend.

Kenya face Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Saturday in a dead-rubber match, while Cranes will qualify for the premier continental showpiece for the first time in three decades with a win over Comoros in Kampala the following day.

"It was a good game. Both teams played well. Of course we are disappointed we didn't win because we had good chances but we learn from this and move on," Stars captain Victor Wanyama explained after the game.

Uganda coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredjovic said: "This result and performance won't affect us on Sunday. Today's game has helped us see where we have to improve, and maintain where we are good. We have four training sessions to address that."

With five games played this campaign, only one win against Congo Brazzaville, a draw and three losses, Stars coach Stanley Okumbi believes his side is improving.

“We are improving of course we started slowly but as you can see, we have been getting better each game. Even today, you can see that there is something positive about the team,” Okumbi said.

Yunus Senytamu of Uganda vies for the ball with David Owino Odhiambo of Kenya during their International friendly at Mandela Stadium, Namboole in Kampala on August 30, 2016. PHOTO | ISMAIL KEZAALA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Uganda's Joseph Ochaya (left) battles for the ball with Kenya's Danson Kago during their International friendly at Mandela Stadium, Namboole in Kampala on August 30, 2016. PHOTO | ISMAIL KEZAALA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Yunus Sentamu of Uganda (left) battles for the ball with Eric Ouma of Kenya during their International friendly at Mandela Stadium, Namboole in Kampala on August 30, 2016. PHOTO | ISMAIL KEZAALA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

The Cranes were the better side in the first half but without any evidence to back the claim, with the Kenyans showing resolve in the second period.
Cranes major threat at goal in the half came on five minutes, with a Kenyan player heading Godfrey Walusimbi’s corner onto his post before the visitors cleared their lines.

Strikers Emmanuel Okwi, Yunus Sentamu, and skipper Geoffrey Massa led the goal charge but while they had promising incursions, especially on Okwi’s left, where Walusimbi patrolled as a wingback, there was no end product.

The slow tempo almost defined the friendly that it was. Kenya's skipper Wanyama, was as cautious.

When tricky Francis Kahata dummied the ball to him in Cranes half, Hassan Wasswa was first to it, Wanyama reckoning keeping his foot out of the hassle the better idea.

And when he changed his mind moments later, Okwi caught him, the Tottenham Hotspur’s midfielder going down holding his leg.

Wanyama did have his long range shot in the second half go just inches wide but it was majorly the basic, cautious, pass and move game.

Cranes coach Micho made five changes after the break introducing Tonny Mawejje, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Joseph Ochaya and Kizito Luwagga but it is Kenya who almost went ahead when Ayub Timbe Masika looped Salim Jamal.

Moments later Wanyama outmuscled Mawejje to release Eric Johanna, who beat Jamal but Khalid Aucho cleared off the line.

Then Mrushid Jjuuko survived a red card when he hacked down a Kenyan player on the edge of the area before Isaac Isinde followed him on a yellow.

Starting XI (Kenya): Boniface Oluoch (GK), Musa Mohammed, Erick Ouma, David Owino, David Ochieng, Victor Wanyama, Ayub Timbe, Teddy Akumu, Jesse Were, Francis Kahata, Erick Johanna.

Uganda: Salim Jamal (GK), Wadada (Tony Mawejje), Godfey Walusimbi (Ochaya), Jjuuko Murushid, Isinde, Khalid Aucho, Hassan Wasswa, Moses Oloya , Emmanuel Okwi (Kizito Luwagga), Yunus Sentamu (Geoffrey Sserunkuma), Massa (Farouk Miya)