Uganda Cranes showed character and resilience to hold The Gambia Scorpions to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly match held at the Stade de Marrakech Annexe pitch on Monday, 9th June 2025.
Following a tough 3-0 defeat to Cameroon in their first build-up match on Friday, head coach Paul Joseph Put made several tactical changes to the starting lineup, which resulted in a more spirited and organized Cranes display against a familiar face, former Uganda head coach Jonathan McKinstry, now in charge of The Gambia.
The Cranes opened the scoring midway through the first half. Vardar Skopje winger Rogers Kassim Mato rose highest to nod home a beautifully curled corner by Patrick Jonah Kakande in the 25th minute, giving Uganda a deserved lead.
The Gambia came close to equalizing ten minutes later when a powerful effort struck the woodwork, with goalkeeper Isima Watenga already beaten. Their persistence eventually paid off when forward Alasana Manneh of Hibernian FC calmly slotted home a penalty, sending Watenga the wrong way to level matters before halftime.
Disaster struck for Uganda shortly after the break when captain and goalkeeper Isima Watenga sustained a knee injury and had to be stretchered off. Joel Mutakubwa came on in the 52nd minute to replace him and managed the remainder of the game confidently.
Coach Put introduced several fresh legs in the second half, including defenders Hilary Mukundane and Enock Ssebagala, and attacking options Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, and Shafik Nana Kwikiriza. The youthful substitutions added more energy and creativity, with Omedi and Allan Oyirwoth both going close to restoring Uganda’s lead late in the game.
The result will give the Uganda Cranes coaching team encouragement as they continue preparations for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The tactical discipline, defensive organization, and increased attacking intent were key improvements from their previous outing.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI:
Isima Watenga (G.K, Captain), Kenneth Semakula, Isaac Muleme, Jordan Obita, Toby Sibbick, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Allan Oyirwoth, Abdu Karim Watambala, Arafat Usama, Rogers Kassim Mato, Patrick Jonah Kakande
Substitutes Used:
Joel Mutakubwa (G.K), Hilary Mukundane, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Enock Ssebagala
Unused Substitutes:
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (G.K), Arnold Odong, Elvis Bwomono, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Muhammad Shaban, Allan Okello
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