The Uganda Cranes lost 1-0 to Chipolopolo of Zambia in a friendly match played at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala ahead of a crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against the Congo Brazzavile.
Chipolopolo took the lead in the 24th minute courtesy of Chisamba Lungu’s goal after a Cranes defensive mixup with a deflection coming from Isaac Isinde.
Cranes enjoyed the lion’s share of the ball possession with Tonny Mawejje and forward Geoffery Massa running rings around the opposition.
Geoffrey Massa header missed the target with just few inches in the seventh minute with a curling delivery coming from Tonny Mawejje’s beautiful free kick.
Moses Oloya had a chance in the 42nd minute but his effort was off target as the first half ended with visitors leading1-0.
As the teams came into the second half, Cranes got a clear chance at goal in the 62th minute, when Khalid Aucho sent the ball flying over the bar after receiving the ball from Mohammad Shaban at the goal mouth.
In the 68th minute, Chipolopolo’s Rodgers Kola identified Stopilla Sunzu, who made it into the box but Robert Ondonkara was well positioned.
It was Godfrrey Walusimbi’s time to try his luck but his shot at goal was blocked in the 71st minute.Five minutes later Rodric Kabwa pulled the ball from but Ondonkara tipped the ball for an unfruitful corner.
The hosts continued pilling pressure on Chipolopolo backline, but the visitors held their nerves with the game ending in the favour of the visitors.
Lineups
Cranes starting XI: Robert Odonkara (GK), Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Murshid Jjuko, Khalid Aucho, Moses Oloya, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Massa, William Luwagga, Godfrey Walusimbi
Subs: Salim Jamal (GK), Denis Iguma, Hassan Waswa, Geoffrey Kizito. Yassar Mugerwa, Geoffrey Serunkuma, Shafiq Batambuze, Muzamir Mutyaba
Zambia XI: Jacob Banda, Sileimba Simon, Fackson Kapumbu, Sunzu Stophila, Tembo Ziya, Mtinga Kondwane, Chaila Misheck, Tembo Fwayo, Lungu Chisamba, Evans Kangwa, Rogers Kola
Subs: Kennedy Mwene, Allan Chigwe, George Chilufya, Adrian Chamba, Nathan Sinkala, Kabaso Chongo, Isaac Chansa, Charles Zulu
