The Cranes had registered a win against Zambia after they had opened with a 1-1 draw against the Indomitable Lions
Milton Karisa and Saidi Kyeyune were on target as Uganda picked up a 3-0 win over Niger at the Annex 2 Omnisport Stadium on Thursday, in a pre-African Nations Championship (Chan) encounter.
The Cranes emerged victorious in their last engagement in the mini-tournament as they now are set to focus on the actual event.
Karisa scored Uganda’s opening goal in the second minute and that was his second of the tournament. In the 10th minute, Kyeyune added the second for the Cranes and it would have been three had Joachim Ojera tapped home a fine cross that was played to him by Viane Ssekajuugo.
Karisa scored the third in the 14th minute to take his tally to three goals in the four-nations tournament.
In the 57th minute, coach Johnathan McKinstry made a change as he introduced midfielder Tony Mawejje for Shafiq Kagimu, as Uganda looked more comfortable in dealing with their opponents.
Joel Mutakubwa had to be attended by the medical team in the 61st minute when he collided with an opponent as he made an attempt to clear the ball.
Ssekajugo, who had a good day against Zambia when he scored the two goals, was substituted in the 77th minute and his place was taken by Vipers SC’s Ibrahim Orit. The last change by Uganda was made in the dying minutes of an encounter they largely dominated as Kyeyune was withdrawn and Bobosi Byaruhanga came on.
Niger were unable to find a way to get even a consolation goal against the Cecafa champions who will now start their journey to Daoula where their Chan matches will be hosted.
McKinstry had said the Niger game was important for his side given that it will give them a glimpse of what to expect from Togo during a Group C encounter.
"Niger play physical, fast and direct football,” McKinstry said in an interview. “The biggest aspect of the game against Niger will be for the players to understand what kind of football they will face against Togo.
“A lot of the young boys in the squad have not come across this kind of football. Not many of them have experience and Thursday will be preparation for Togo. It is time to get their feet in the water so that they can understand and hopefully we can put up another top performance like in the previous two games.”
The Niger game was the last for Uganda, who picked up a 1-1 draw against Cameroon before they downed Zambia 2-0 in the second match.