Uganda Cranes were defeated 3-0 by Ivory Coast on Wednesday,11th January,2017 at the New York University Stadium in Abu Dhabi  to end their preparation for 2017 African Cup of Nations.

The Cranes held the regaining champions till the 51st minute when Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia put the Black Stars into the lead.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha scored in the 58th minute, his first goal with Ivory Coast to double his side’s lead with Serge Aurier sealing the victory when he met Max Gradel’s to head home.

Uganda have had mixed results in their friendly games registering wins against Slovenia (1-0), Slovakia (3-1) and a 2-0 loss against Tunisia in Tunis.

Uganda are in Group D alongside Egypt, Ghana and Mali. They will play their first match on the 17th January against Ghana at Stade de Port Gentil before going head to head with Egypt on 21st, January  at the same venue.

The Cranes will then take on Mali in their last Group D tie on 25th, January at Stade d’Oyem.

Uganda XI: Denis Onyango, Dennis Iguma, Timothy Awany, Hassan Wasswa, Joseph Ochaya, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Kizito, Michael Azira, William Luwagga Kizito, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Massa

Substitutes: Robert Odongkara, Salim Omar Magoola, Nicholas Wadada, Moses Oloya, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Shafik Batambuze, Muhammad Shaban, Yunus Ssentamu, Geoffrey Sserunkuma

Ivory Coast XI: Sylvain Gbohouo, Serge Aurier, Eric Bailly, Wilfried Kanon, Adama Traore, Franck Kessie, Geoffroy Serey Die, Jean-Michael Seri, Salomon Kalou, Jonathan Kodjia, Wilfried Zaha

Substitutes: Mande Sayouba, Mamadou Bagayoko, Victorien Angban, Cheick Doukoure, Yao Serge N’Guessan, Wilfried Bony, Max-Alain Gradel, Nicolas Pepe, Giovanni Sio