The new
captain of the Uganda Cranes Emmanuel Arnold Okwi believes the
international friendly game played against South Africa on Thursday
helped them identify their mistakes before heading to 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualifiers.
Hosts South Africa defeated Uganda Cranes 3-2 in an
international friendly match played at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto yesterday.
After
the game Okwi said the game helped the team to understand their
weaknesses before they go for the tough World Cup qualifiers. He however
pointed out that the new players displayed a good performance against
the Bafana Bafana.
//Cue in I want to …
Cue out … on the team.”//
Against
South Africa, the Uganda Cranes dominated almost the entire first half
with Okwi initiating several attacks together with Ibrahim Oriti and
Allan
Okello. Oriti gave Uganda Cranes the lead early in the first half.
Despite leading in the half time, Uganda Cranes failed to
defend its lead and South Africa returned to score through Bongokuhle
Hlongwane and a brace by Evidence Magkopa. Substitute Abdul Lumala
scored Uganda Cranes' second goal.
Abdallah Mubiru, the Uganda Cranes interim coach said the team played well in
the first half however they lost track in the second half which eventually made them suffer defeat.
//Cue in: it was completely …
Cue out: …we switched off.”//
Uganda Cranes and South Africa used the match to prepare ahead of the
2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that start in September. Uganda is
grouped alongside Mali, Rwanda and Kenya.
Fahad Muganga
Freelancer