Uganda Cranes’ elimination from the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after that last minute 1-0 loss at the hands of Egypt in our Group D clash bestowed on us an undesired accolade- as the first team to bow out of the tournament, but there’s some good that came in form of the lessons we cannot afford to repeat.
Tactical flaws
Beyond the team’s solidity at the back, it was plain to see that one of the things the team needs the most now is a dose of tactical discipline. Too often, our tactical approach to games was far from adequate, with the team playing a lot of back passes especially in the first game which is how the Cranes ended up conceding a penalty. Another tactical flaw was in the attack, where coach Micho opted for aerial assaults on opponents with an advantage in terms of height, and it was little wonder opposing goalkeepers were largely untroubled.
Experience key
To rub salt into the wound that was our tactical inadequacies, all the inexperience of a team returning to Afcon after a drought of 39 years showed in the two opening games that ultimately ensured Cranes stay in Gabon would be brief. Without considerable pressure, Cranes conspired to gift Ghana a match-winning penalty, while, with a draw in sight, the boys still managed to get caught on the break with two minutes to play and consequently lose to Egypt. It was a brutal lesson about the importance of tournament know-how, which know-how the Cranes can only get by making it to the Afcon more regularly.
Creators needed
Ultimately, however, the Cranes can correct all their tactical flaws and garner all the experience they need but until the nation can nurture more creative talents, it will be more stories of huff and puff, or close shaves and heartbreaks. The search for a playmaker must start now.