Despite a 0-1 loss to Ghana in Uganda’s opening Africa Cup of Nations game, coach Mulitin Sredejovic aka Micho has assured Cranes fans that we shall beat the giants ahead of us and qualify for the quarter finals.
“No matter how big the giants Egypt and Mali in front of us are, we shall give 200 per cent to win the games and qualify,” he said during a post-match press conference in Port Gentil, Gabon.
Not blaming our loss on individual mistakes
Uganda last played at the continental stage in 1978, losing the final to Ghana and we were given a rude welcome back suffering another loss to the same opponents 39 years later.
A first half foul on Asamoah Gyan by Isaac Isinde following a defensive error led to the referee awarding a penalty which was converted by Andre Ayew.
“I cannot blame our loss on individual mistakes,” he said.
Isinde was substituted in the 70th minute but Micho decided not to point fingers at anyone.
Instead, he blamed the loss on “technical and tactical aspects” which he promised to fix ahead of the next fixture against Egypt.
The Cranes looked a bit off colour during the first half and Micho called it “stage fright” having been away from Africa’s biggest soccer showpiece for 39 years.
“In the first half we had stage fright and we paid a very expensive scholarship with our mistake which led to us conceding a goal,” Micho said.
“During the break we needed an awakening in every player that we can play on the big stage. In the second half we were fully aware that we are on big stage,” Micho said.
Micho made three substitutions, bringing on forwards Moses Oloya, Geoffrey Sserunkuma and Shaban Muhammed in search for a goal but the changes didn’t bear fruit.
“We risked everything playing 3-2-5 and didn’t get results. Football is all about putting the ball in the back of the net and we didn’t succeed,” the Cranes tactician said.
Meanwhile former Chelsea coach Avram Grant who is now Ghana head coach admitted that Uganda is a difficult opponent.
“Uganda is a good team. It’s difficult to find spaces against them. In the second half we didn’t play well, but what matters is the result,” he said.
Uganda’s next game is against Egypt on Saturday, January 21.