Sinan Rajub SENOGA
Uganda Cranes played out a goalless draw with two time winners DR Congo in the Group B opener of the CHAN tournament at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba, Algeria.
A game of limited goal attempts saw Gift Fred register Uganda’s best chance in the 83rd minute from a Geoffrey Wasswa free kick.
Milton Karisa had his goal disallowed in the first half for a foul on Ernest Luzolo in the build up.
The Congolese tested Alionzi Nafian in the Ugandan goal but the URA shot stopper was equal to the challenge.
Micho switched to a cautious mode in the 67th minute as he replaced Moses Waiswa with Kenneth Ssemakula in the midfield.
Ibrahim Orit, Titus Ssematimba, Nelson Senkatuka and Travis Mutyaba were also brought on but made no impact on the scoreline.
Uganda will face Senegal on Wednesday in the second group game before playing against Ivory Coast on Sunday.
DR Congo XI – Siadi Baggio, Issama Mpeko, Ikoyo Iyembe, Peter Mutumosi, Phillipe Kinzumbi, Merveille Kikasa, Jonathan Ikangalombo, Ernest Luzolo, Kevin Mundeko, Adam Bossu, Miche Mika
Uganda XI – Alionzi Nafian, James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Gift Fred, Geoffrey Wasswa, Marvin Youngman, Moses Waiswa, Rogers Mato, Karim Watambala, Milton Karisa, Frank Ssebufu