Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre was full of mixed emotions after his side reached the round of 16 despite falling to Egypt.

The Cranes lost 2-0 to favourites and hosts Egypt to finish second of group A, a feat that was made possible by DR Congo’s 4-0 victory to Zimbabwe.

Desabre asserted that he is disappointed because his side wasted chances but proud at the same time for the achievement.

Addressing the media after defeat at Cairo international stadium, the Frenchman commented:

“We are disappointed because we missed a lot of chances, we chose to play an open game today to take some risks because in football its always important to score.

“We had no luck on goal but am so proud of the players because am sure we have shown a good picture of Ugandan football. We have qualified for the second round, it was the target as a federation but we now want to extend our stay.”

Desabre also gave an update on cranes captain, Denis onyanga who was stretchered off the pitch in the last 20 minutes of the game to be replaced by Robert Odongkara.

The Frenchman clarified that the shot stopper will be good to go for our next game, adding that he had flue for two days and it was very difficult for him to finish the game.

Desabre added:

“About Egypt, they have some key player and I congratulate them for the win and it also very important to say thank you to the fans because the stadium was amazing for me.”

On Cranes new target, he revealed:

“When you start the tourney and you are Uganda, you are not expected to win the competition but our heart and motivation is to go far and I think we have some qualities like you saw and we want to give the maximum.”

Uganda now shifts focus to round of 16 tie set on Friday, July 5 with the opponent to be confirmed between Senegal and Kenya.