CAF Beach Soccer – AFCON Qualifiers
Uganda 1-3 Ivory Coast
Spenah Beach, Entebbe
Sunday, 09-09-2018
The Uganda Beach Soccer National team, Sand Cranes were dealt a major blow in their bid to reach a first ever AFCON tournament as they lost to Ivory Coast.
The Sand Cranes fell short 3-1 to their visitors in the first leg of the qualifiers played at Spennah beach-Entebbe on Sunday.
Ivory Coast scored through Eric Bile, Daniel N’guessan Kouassitchi and Frederic Aka Kablan.
Uganda’s team captain Douglas Muganga scored the consolation for the hosts in a physically well contested duel.
After the game, Sand Cranes coach Salim Muwongo was optimistic the deficit can be over turned in the second leg.
“We have created a couple of goal scoring chances although we did not utilize them, said Muwonge.
“We played against a side that has played at the CAF final championship a number of times and we have learnt from the mistakes done and vow to improve before the return leg.
“The 1-3 margin can be easily overturned during the return leg.
The winner between Uganda and Ivory Coast will qualify for the tournament proper later this year in Egypt.
They will face-off in the second leg of the qualifiers on September 21st, in Abidjan.
Uganda Sand Cranes team that featured against Ivory Coast on Sunday:
Meddie Kibirige (G.K), Allan Katwe, Douglas Muganga (Captain), Ronald Magwari, Ben Ocen
Subs:
Nasser Lwamunda (G.K), Paul Lule, Sulaiman Ochero, Roch Peter Somoka, Rica Byaruhanga, Tom Kimuli, Swalleh Ssimbwa
