Uganda Cranes claimed a famous 3-1 victory over 25th ranked European side Slovakia in an international friendly on Sunday 8th, January 2017 at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi, as they step up preparation for the 2017 African Cup of Nations.
The Cranes got an early lead after five minutes into the game through Moses Oloya.
Farouk Miya scored the second goal in the 14th minute to make it 2-0 going into the half time break.
Some of the female Uganda Cranes fans in the stands at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi (Photo by FUFA)
Twelve minutes into the second half, Denis Vavro pulled one back for Slovakia with his team fighting for a comeback.
However Geoffrey Massa sealed Uganda’s win when he scored in the 77th minute to shatter the Slovenian’s hopes of getting anything from the game.
The game was free of charge and hundreds of Ugandan fans turned up to support their team.
Uganda have experienced mixed results with a 1-0 win over Slovenia on Friday, 6th January, 2017 and a 2-0 loss to Tunisia in their previous friendly.
The Cranes will finalise their preparations for the AFCON with a friendly against reigning champions Ivory Coast on Wednesday 11th, January at the New York University Stadium in Dubai.
Uganda is in Group D alongside Egypt, Ghana and Mali. They will play their first match on the 17th against Ghana before going head to head with Egypt on 21st, January 2017.
Team Line Ups:
Slovakia XI: Michal Sulla (46′ Adam Jakubech), Denis Vavro, Filip Orsula (85′ Pavol Safranko), Martin Bukata (70′ Miroslav Kacer), Thomas Malec (70′ David Guba), Roman Gergel (70′ Thomas Huk), Filip Hlohovsky (Captain), Jakub Holubek, Martin Kralik, Michal Skvarka, Juraj Kotula (46′ Martin Sulek)
Subs Not Used: Dominik Kruzliak, Jan Krivak, Patrik Misak, Matus Conka, Martin Dubravka
Head Coach: Jan Kozak
Uganda Cranes XI: Robert Odongkara (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada (63′ Nico Wakiro Wadada), Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Dennis Awanyi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (46′ Murushid Jjuuko), Geofrey Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya (46′ Geofrey Massa), William Luwagga Kizito (82′ Godfrey Walusimbi), Faruku Miya (62′ Yunus Sentamu), Muhammed Shaban (62’ Khalid Aucho)
Subs Not Used: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Shafiq Batambuze, Isaac Isinde, Michael Azira, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Salim Jamal (G.K)
Match Officials:
Center Referee: Sultan Abdulrazaq Al Marzouqi
1st Assistant Referee: Hassan Suqatari Al Mahri
2nd Assistant Referee: Sabet Al Ali