UGANDA CRANES REGIONAL TOURS 2017
- Northern Region Select 0-2 Uganda Cranes
Uganda prepared for next week's World Cup qualifier against Ghana with Derrick Nsibambi scoring two second half goals as the Cranes team triumphed 2-0 against Northern Region Select team on Saturday in Lira.
The Cranes will face a tough test against the Black Stars next week and they needed a confidence boost with the friendly win to prepare for next Saturday's match in Kampala.
After a goal-less opening 45 minutes, the game was lit up by KCCA forward Derrick Nsibambi who scored in the 55th and 62nd minutes of the well attended match.
Uganda Cranes midfielder Muzamiru Mutyba breaks away from Walter Odongo during one of the attacks at Northern region goal
Nsibambi was among the 10 changes that the national team technical bench headed by Moses Basena had called as the second half re-started.
Earlier Paul Mucureezi had missed giving the national side the lead when his attempt hit the goal post in the 28th minute.
Other chances were 50-50 incidents from Moses Waiswa, Tom Masiko, Nelson Senkatuka, Isaac Muleme and Muzamiru Mutyaba.
Northern Uganda select team’s goalkeeper Sadam Ogwang was alert to tame any goal bound threats before he paved way for Stephen Okello with 10 minutes to play.
Uganda Cranes’ Fred Okot and Tadeo Lwanga were the two players cautioned by referee Tonny Agir.
This was the second time that Uganda Cranes was playing against Northern Region select in two years after winning 5-0 in 2015 at Pece Stadium in Gulu district.
The essence of such tours among others is to take the national team brand closer to the fans in their respective localities.
National team main sponsors Airtel Uganda Limited and Uganda Breweries Limited jointly bankroll the national regional tours.
Team Line ups:
Northern Region XI: Sadam Ogwang (G.K), Ivan Okello, John Paul Acire, Ronald Owiny, Alli Muhamed, Hilary Odonkonyero, Walter Odongo, Dickens Diarra Okwir, Ronny Okullo, Richardson Asaba, Moses Aliro
Subs: Stephen Okello (G.K), Joel Akaka, Emmanuel Okwi, Julius Akwata, Denis Omedi, Brian Ocakacon, Mike Denis Ojok
Team Officials:
- Head coach: Godfrey Akena
- Assistant coach: Bob Obira
Uganda Cranes XI: Tom Ikara (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awany, Savio Kabugo, Tom Masiko, Paul Mucureezi, Moses Waiswa, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Nelson Senkatuka, David Owori
Second Team: Tom Ikara (60′ Benjamin Ochan), Fred Okot, Dan Birikwaliira, Bernard Muwanga, Tadeo Lwanga, Ibrahim Kayiwa, Emmanuel Kalyowa, Albert Mugisa, Derrick Nsibambi, Milton Karisa, Shafiq Kagimu
Sub Not Used: Ismail Watenga (G.K)
Team Officials:
- Head coach: Moses Basena
- Assistant coach: Mathias Lule
- Goalkeeping coach: Fred Kajoba
- Team Physio: Ivan Ssewanyana
- Team Doctor: Ronald Kisolo
- Team Manager: Chrispus Muyinda
- Media: Hamza Nsereko and Meddie Ssengendo
Match Officials:
- Center Referee: Tonny Agir
- Assistant Referee 1: Dick Okello
- Assistant Referee 2: Paul Omara
- 4th Official: Deogratious Opio
- Match Commissioner: Allani Joe