It was a perfect start for new Cranes coach, Johnny Mckinstry as the Cranes beat Ethiopia one-nil in an international friendly on Sunday, as the Northern Irishman officially started making a footprint in Ugandan football.
Mckinstry was unveiled as the tactician for the national team a fortnight ago and the Sunday game in Bahrdar town was his first in charge of the team that saw him summon mostly foreign-based players for the international friendly.
It was a perfect start for him as Emmanuel Okwi headed home off a Joseph Ochaya delivery in the 20th minute and the goal separated the two teams.
Very pleased for all the players, staff & officials to secure a 1-0 away win over Ethiopia to kick-start the next phase of development for the @UgandaCranes.
It is only the beginning, but together we have taken the first steps on the journey together.
🇪🇹🏟️⚽🇺🇬 pic.twitter.com/cJU03TYtFq
— Johnathan McKinstry (@johnnymckinstry) October 13, 2019
Speaking about the game, Mckinstry praised his team for the job well done away from home.
“I am very pleased for all the players, staff and officials to secure a 1-0 away win over Ethiopia to kick-start the next phase of development for the Uganda Cranes,” he tweeted.
“It is only the beginning, but together we have taken the first steps on the journey together.”
Mckinstry will now shift focus onto the Cranes team scheduled to play against Burundi in their return leg game in the 2020 CHAN qualifiers.