Uganda Cranes claimed a 2 to 1 win over Chad in an international friendly at Stade Municipal De Berrechid, but head coach Paul Put said the performance left several areas that must improve before AFCON.
Uganda started brightly, earned an early penalty, scored twice, survived two penalties at the other end, and still finished the night with work to do.
Put entered the match with a patched squad after injuries ruled out key players such as Aziz Kayondo and Rogers Mato.
The situation opened the door for several new faces, including goalkeeper Derrick Kiggundu and midfielder Al Hassan Baba, while Uche Mubiru, Melvyn Lorenzen, Joseph Mpande, Regan Mpande, and Hebert Achayi all made the starting group.
Uganda controlled the early stages and earned a penalty after Uche was tripped by the Chad goalkeeper in the 20th minute. Uche took responsibility and sent the keeper the wrong way to put Uganda ahead.
Put’s side kept their shape and extended the lead less than a minute into the second half when Lorenzen pounced on poor defending, reacted quicker than the back line, and fired in a close range finish for 2 to 0.
Chad grew into the match and pulled one back in the 64th minute when Haroun Tchaouna converted from the spot after Kiggundu mistimed a challenge in the area.
Moments later, Uganda nearly lost the lead when a second penalty was awarded, but Kiggundu guessed correctly and saved to protect the advantage on what was his first senior appearance.
Uganda closed out the final minutes under pressure and held firm until the final whistle. Put said that while the team showed good mentality, the group lost too much possession and opened the door for Chad to respond.
He added that some of the new players did not give him the level he expected, although he was encouraged by their willingness to compete.
Put said the squad now turns its focus to a tougher test against Morocco on Tuesday.
He warned that the team must show sharper decision making and cleaner ball retention against stronger opposition with the AFCON opener only weeks away.
