Uganda Cranes picked up important goalless draw aganist three time World Cup finalists Ghana away in city of Tamale in the opening African zone Group E qualifier on Friday.

Cranes were not intimidated by the predigree of Black Stars early in the game with the first shot on target coming from Nico Wadada but it was easily collected by Ghanas goalie Razak Braimah.

Uganda could have gone up in the first fifteen minutes but Deniss Iguma strike was deflected for a goalless corner.

Ghana started the second-half stronger, as they picked up possession with some beautiful passes. However, the strong defence of the Cranes did not make it easy for strikers Asamoah Gyan and Christian Atsu to have any chance to shoot on target.

Cranes ran out of energy in hot conditions as Ghana missed several chances as the won countless corners and freekicks but failed to make use of them.

Denis Amartey might have had the opener minutes after the break when he forced Denis Onyango to pull a nice save .

Farook Miya came close  twice in the second half but was unlucky to secure for Cranes an away win.

Jordan Ayew missed last opportunity after a goal-mouth scramble, but his feeble flick at goal was saved on the line by Deniss Onyango.

Group E has other two teams, Congo and Egypt and they meet in Brazzaville on Sunday.

Uganda Cranes XI
Denis Onyango (GK), Wadada Nicholas, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Isaac Isinde, Khalid Aucho, Denis Iguma, Tony Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Kizito Luwagga and Faruku Miya.

Subs: Salim Jamal (GK), Benjamin Ochan (GK), Hassan Wasswa, Geoffrey Massa, Yunus Sentamu, Hamis Kizza, Geoffrey Kizito, Godfrey Walusimbi