International friendly
Tunisia 2-0 Uganda Cranes
Uganda has been defeated by Tunisia in an international friendly played on Wednesday at stade Olympic El Menzah.
A goal in either half by Hamza Lahmar and Mohamed Ali Yâakoubi ensured the hosts earned victory in the buildup game.
Uganda cranes fired blanks as they were humbled by a fast Tunisian side failing to match the hosts for pace.
Hamzar Lahmar gave the Carthage eagles an early lead in the 7th minute converting from a free kick that goalkeeper Salim Jamal failed to deal with.
Despite several attacks from the home side, Cranes held on opting to defend from deep while going offensive on counter attacks.
The best chance for Cranes came five minutes after the half hour mark but Tonny Mawejje’s effort ricocheted off the cross bar and went wide.
Micho opted for a chance of goalkeeper after recess introducing Benjamin Ochan for Salim Jamal.
However, before he could settle between the posts, the Carthage eagles doubled the lead through Mohamed Ali Yaakoubi, heading home two minutes after the break.
Cranes coach gave chance to the rest of the players that were on bench including Timothy Awany who replaced Isaac Isinde while Geoffrey Walusimbi came on for Shafik Batambuze.
In the midfield, KCCA midfielder Muzamir Mutyaba replaced Tonny Mawejje whilst Muhammad Shaban and Farouk Miya came on for Yunus Ssentamu and Edrisa Lubega respectively in the forward positions.
Mutyaba had an attempt midway through the game but he was also denied by the woodwork.
Uganda departs Tunis for Dubai tomorrow for another camp where the cranes will play against Slovakia and Ivory Coast on 8th and 11th January respectively before heading to Gabon for Africa cup of Nations.
Micho is expected to drop three players before the end of today (Wednesday) to confirm the final 23 players.
The cranes will play their first game at AFCON against Ghana on January 17.
Cranes starting XI: Salim Jamal, Denis Iguma, Shafik Batambuze, Hassan Wasswa, Isaac Isinde, Mike Azira, Geoffrey Kizito Baba, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Massa, Yunus Ssentamu, Edrisa Lubega
Tunisia XI: Balbouli, Mathlouthi, Ben Youssef, Yaakoubi, Maaloul, Azouni, Sassi, Lahmar, Sliti, Msakni, Khenissi