Uganda hold Iceland in friendly match

The Uganda Cranes held 2016 European Cup quarter finalists Iceland to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly played in Turkey yesterday.

After only six minutes the Iceland team took the lead through Jón Daði Böðvarsson who finished off with a header past goalkeeper Charles Lukwago. Böðvarsson capitalized on a well taken Viðar Ari Jónsson cross to put Iceland in the lead.

But Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s team made up of mainly home based players fought back strongly at the Titanic Deluxe Belek Football Center in Belek.

Uganda Cranes, the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup record winners made it 1-1 after 30 minutes. Striker Patrick Kaddu made no mistake from the spot.

In the second half the two teams continued to create several scoring opportunities, but failed to find the target again.

“We have gained a lot from this game against Iceland who have played at the Euros and the FIFA World Cup. We pick important positives going forward as a country on how to defend and attack, use of the ball under minimal spaces and other important aspects of the game,” said Uganda’s coach Sredojevic after the match.

Uganda’s next international friendly match will take place on Saturday against Botosani at the same venue, while Iceland will also face South Korea the same day.

The Uganda Cranes lined up five international friendly matches this month against Iceland, Botosani, Moldova, Iraq and Bahrain.