The Cranes of Uganda wrapped up their preparation for the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations with an impressive 1-0 win over the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday.
Winger Farouk Miya scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as Sebastian Desabre’s side stunned their more illustrious opponents at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Ugandans who open their AFCON campaign exactly one week from Saturday however had Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Onyango to thank for making some saves in the game.
Uganda will face Congo DR in their opening Group A game at the Cairo International Stadium next Saturday while Cote d’Ivoire will face South Africa on Monday, June 24 at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana also on Saturday held Ghana’s Black Stars to a 0-0 draw in Dubai.
Both teams paraded at least nineteen players each in the exhibition game played at the Police Officers club, with South African coach Stuart Baxter replacing his entire starting eleven at half time.
In the other pre-AFCON friendly game decided on Saturday, West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku scored late to earn Congo DR a 1-1 draw against Kenya in Madrid.
Michael Olunga gave the Harambee Stars the lead in the 25th minute before Cedric Bakambu missed a spot kick for the Congolese side six minutes after half time. Masuaku however rescued his side with his finish in the 87th minute.
Kenya are in Group C at the AFCON while Congo DR are drawn in Group A that has host nation Egypt.
