Following a recognizable display from the Uganda Cranes in their 1-0 loss to Tanzania in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday, head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevich has called for an instant response.
East African derby
The two neighbors yet again tussle it out on Tuesday, this time at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium with victory the ultimate target, especially for the Serbian.
“I have been a coach for 21 years in Africa, and I have handled three national teams, so I know what it means to have a derby of neighbours,” he told the media on Monday.
“One end of the tail can take you to hell, one can take you to heaven, and I have been to the former in recent days.”
“I used to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Now, I have learnt also how to turn pressure into opportunity,” he added.
Opportunity to bounce back
“In past times, you had to wait up to three months to either be happy that you have won or analyse why you have lost.”
“Now this is a blessing in disguise for us that 96 hours (after defeat in Ismailia), we have a chance for redemption.”
“We have a chance to make up for the pain we have felt after losing on Friday. How successful we can be tomorrow night will prove that” he continued.
Uganda will need to be at their absolute best if they’re to pick maximum points against a side buoyed by a hostile and passionate crowd.
“We are coming to play with our brothers from Tanzania with a high degree of respect, fully aware that it is a thin line between failing and succeeding,” Micho added.
“We must believe in the country that we represent, the work we are doing, and the players that are representing their own country and their people.”
Photo Credit: FUFA Media
