Uganda coach Jonathan McKinstry has made a winning start to his tenure with The Cranes after a 1-0 friendly win over Ethiopia in Bahir Dar on Sunday.

Emmanuel Okwi scored the winning goal after 20 minutes, but there was also a stand-out performance from Uganda goalkeeper and captain Dennis Onyango as he pulled off a number of fine saves to secure the win.

Okwi headed home after good work on the left wing from Joseph Ochaya, after which Uganda were forced to hold on against a lively home side.

It was the perfect start for new coach McKinstry, who will now take charge of the team in the African Nations Championship qualifiers, where they lead Burundi 3-0 with the home leg to come on Friday.

After that they will travel to Burkina Faso for the start of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where Uganda have also been pooled with Malawi and South Sudan and will expect to advance.