Johnny McKinstry got off to a winning start as Cranes coach as his charges recorded a 1-0 away win over Ethiopia in an international friendly played at Bahir Dar Stadium yesterday.
Emmanuel Okwi scored what turned out to be the game's only goal heading home a Joseph Ochaya delivery after 20 minutes.
With local based players preparing for the final Chan qualifier return leg against Burundi this weekend, McKinstry named an experienced side consisting mainly foreign based players.
Captain Denis Onyango kept goal for the Cranes with Ochaya handed a start at left back following Godfrey Walusimbi's recent national team retirement.
The absence of Morocco-based defender Murushid Jjuuko reportedly because of work permit issues, saw Hassan Wasswa partner Bevis Mugabi with Ronald Mukiibi completing the back four.
And they will have been pleased with a clean sheet even though Burkina Faso are likely to pose a different type of threat when the 2021 Afcon Qualifiers start next month.
Upfront, Patrick Kaddu spearheaded the attack but there will be some concern regarding his fitness after he and Allan Kyambadde went off injured and were replaced by Isaac Muleme and former Ethiopia based midfielder Kirisestom Ntambi.
Attention now switches to Chan Qualifiers where domestic league players have a chance to impress when they play Burundi in the return leg of the final qualification round.
The Cranes hold a 3-0 advantage from the first leg.
Cranes starting team
Denis Onyango, Ronald Mukiibi, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa , Bevis Mugabi, Tadeo Lwanga
Emmanuel Okwi, Allan Kyambadde, Abdu Lumala
Patrick Kaddu, Kizito Luwagga
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