Uganda Cranes earned their second successive point in the on-going FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers with a hard fought draw against West African side Mali at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Monday, September 6, 2021.
In a rain marred game, Uganda finished the game with 10 men following a red card to defender Murushid Juuko in the 69th minute.
The visitors dominated possession for long spells of the game but Uganda did not lose their shape at any stage of the game played behind closed doors.
Left back Isaac Muleme tested Mali’s goalkeeper with a venomous free-kick from distance in the opening stanza.
This was followed by a similar attempt from second half substitute Mustafa Kizza in the closing stages of the game.
Kizza had replaced Joseph Benson Ochaya on 66 minutes.
Other players introduced for Uganda Cranes were Innocent Wafula Esimu, Ibrahim Orit, Steven Desse Mukwala and Moses Waiswa Ndohondi.
Uganda Cranes Defender Murushid Juuko was given a red card in the second half leaving the team less by one man.
Uganda Cranes now has two points from two matches played. Mali leads the standings in group E with four points Kenya, Uganda on two points with Rwanda at 1 point.
Uganda Cranes will face Rwanda in the next phase of qualifiers coming in October 2021.
Uganda Cranes XI Vs Mali
Uganda Cranes XI (Shirt Numbers in Brackets):
Isima Bin Rashid Watenga (19), Denis Iguma (12), Isaac Muleme (20), Enock Walusimbi (16), Murushid Juuko (4), Khalid Aucho (8), Bobosi Byaruhanga (6), Milton Karisa (13), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi – Captain, 7), Derrick Nsibambi (9), Joseph Benson Ochaya (2)
Subs:
Charles Lukwago (18), Joel Mutakubwa (1), Innocent Wafula Esimu (14), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (5), Abdul Aziizi Kayondo (3), Ibrahim Orit (11), Richard Basangwa (22), Steven Desse Mukwala (10), Yunus Sentamu (17), Mustapha Kizza (21), Moses Waiswa Ndohondi (23), Kenneth Semakula (15)
