On their first return to Afcon after 39 years, the Uganda Cranes did not get the welcome they dreamt of after Ghana edged them 1-0 in their opening Group D tie in Port Gentil on Tuesday.
Uganda found themselves on the back foot when central defender Isaac Isinde gave away a penalty that was converted by Andre Ayew to give Avram Grant’s side the lead after half an hour.
Cranes captain Geoffrey Massa told supersport.com that, “We have to go back to the drawing board and see that we have to win against Egypt. We would have won the game but this is football.”
Uganda looked blunt in front of goal in the first half with Christian Atsu having a go at left back Joseph Ochaya for crosses into the box while the Cranes failed to string consistent passes in midfield.
However, Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic introduced Moses Oloya for Michael Azira who brought an attacking edge to the team.
The introduction of youngster Muhammad Shaban and Geoffrey Sserunkuma clearly showed Micho’s intent to go on an all out attack in search of that equalizer and indeed some chances were created but did not count for much.
“We played Ghana in the last three games before the opener and we took five points. We conceded very easily and this is football. We only have to go back to the drawing board and correct our mistakes,” stated Massa.
“We need to play two or three strikers like in the second half. In the next game, we have to throw everything on the field of play. We started with one striker and we were defending deep.”
“In the second half, everything was possible, we could have scored but this is football. We only have to make sure we win the next game.”
“We have a lot of young players. None of them was at Afcon in 1978. After 39 years, coming here and losing a game 1-0, I think we do not have to be sad.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Denis Onyango had an incredible game most notably denying Atsu in a one-on-one situation in the 85th minute.
However, Massa decried the absence of midfielder Khalid Aucho and central defender Murushid Juuko who were suspended.
“It really affected us as well as Murushid Juuko because he is a very good defender. They will be back in the next game. We really missed them today.”
Uganda will face Egypt in their next game on January 21 at Stade de Port Gentil before taking on Mali on January 25 at Stade d’Oyem.
Source http://www.supersport.com
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