Tusker FC concluded its week-long tour of Uganda with a 1-1 draw against Premier League side Lugazi FC at their home ground in the Buikwe District of the Central Region of Uganda.
Joseph Mwangi scored Tusker’s opener, while Samuel Ssemagugu levelled matters for the newly promoted Uganda Premier League side just before halftime.
“It has been a hugely successful week and we have managed to see where we are as a team. We played three friendly matches and every player had at least 60 minutes of action and this is very key for us to give everyone an opportunity to show what they can do,” said interim coach Charles Okere.
He added; “Now we are going back home with about two weeks before the season starts and we know what to work on, which areas to improve to ensure we are ready for the first game of the season.”
Tusker had started off the campaign with a match against Soltilo Bright Stars on Tuesday, winning 1-0 before replicating the same scoreline against Uganda Cup champions Kitara FC in Masindi.
Against Lugazi, coach Okere changed the whole team from the one that played in Kitara.
The boys had a brilliant start, Mwangi scoring the opener in the 15th minute when he hit the back of the net with the second bite of the cherry. His initial shot from inside the box after controlling a Dennis Wanjala freekick. He was however quickest to the rebound burying it home.
The boys had some more chances with Thomas Omole and Mike Oduor having shots from the wings, both of which were saved.
The hosts however levelled scores a minute to the break when Ssemagugu ran on to a long ball from the defense before outmuscling his marker and shooting low past Brian Opondo.
The boys put in some effort in the second half, but couldn’t get a winner, with the home side, powered on by their passionate fans defending well.