Uganda Cranes opened their journey at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a goalless draw against Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday.
In the game played at 19th May 1956 Stadium in Annaba, Algeria, both sides made attempts but could not get a breakthrough.
Captain Milton Karisa thought he had fired Uganda into the lead midway through the first half but his strike was cancelled with the referee calling for a foul in the process.
Waiswa too got close to opening the scores but his effort from a free kick went a few inches off target.
In the second half, coach Milutin Sredojevic made changes bringing on Titus Ssematimba and Ibrahim Orit for Watambala and Rogers Mato respectively.
There were further changes with Travis Mutyaba, Nelson Senkatuka and Kenneth Semakula all coming on for Karisa, Frank Ssebufu and Waiswa.
Defender Gift Fred nearly won the game for Uganda with four minutes to play when Geofrey Wasswa’s delivery from a free kick found him unmarked in the area but his strike ricocheted off the post.
Uganda will return to action on Wednesday next week, facing Senegal.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Nafian Alionzi (GK), James Begisa, Derrick Ndahiro, Gift Fred, Geofrey Wasswa, Marvin Youngman, Abdu Karim Watambala, Moses Waiswa, Frank Ssebufu, Milton Karisa (C).
Substitutes
Jack Komakech (GK), Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Ashraf Mandela, Isa Mubiru, Kenneth Semakula, Hillary Mukundane, Bright Anukani, Travis Mutyaba, Titus Ssematimba, Nelson Senkatuka, Ibrahim Orit, Moses Aliro.
