Hosts Ethiopia sink Uganda Cranes in friendly match

Ethiopia’s Walias beat Uganda Cranes 2-1 in an international friendly match played at the Bahir Dar International Stadium on Sunday, August 29th.

The home side that was dominant for most of the spells of the match took the lead through Nasir Abubeker after 11 minutes. The visitors tried to fight back, but lacked the edge to find the goals.

In the second half Abel Yelew made it 2-0 for Ethiopia after 54 minutes when he he finished past Uganda’s goalkeeper Ismeal Watenga.

Second-half substitute and top scorer in the 2020/2021 Uganda Premier League Yunus Sentamu pulled a goal back for Uganda Cranes.

As the home side continued to dominate possession, the Cranes defended deep in numbers. Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Micho Sredojevic made some chances, but the goals were not fourth coming.

Wubetu Abate said he was pleased with his player for the good display. “I am happy that we have played two friendly matches drawing goalless against Sierra Leone and beating Uganda. This has been a good warm up before we play two matches next month in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers 2022,” added Abate.

Uganda’s coach Sredojevic said the match was a good test for his players before they travel to Kenya on Monday ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2022 World Cup qualifier.

“The match was very important as it pointed out to the test of the players. We saw shortcomings of the players and what they are capable of and how best to improve,” added the coach.

In another international friendly played on Sunday night, Burundi lost 3-0 to Algeria in a match played in Al-Wakrah, Qatar.  The goals were scored by Mohamed Islam Belkheir, Billal Benhamouda and Zinedine Boutmene. The two teams used only home based players.