September 4th/2023
•Niger Vs Uganda
•Algeria Vs Tanzania
Table Standings
Algeria – 15
Tanzania – 7
Uganda – 4
Niger – 2
Uganda Cranes head coach Sredejovic Milutin Micho has weighed in on his side’s qualification chances after Algeria defeat on Sunday.
The Cranes suffered a huge blow following their 2-1 loss to Algeria in the ongoing AFCON 2023 Qualifiers.
Fahad Bayo’s late goal wasn’t enough for the Cranes after Mohamed Amoura (brace) had already put Algeria ahead.
While speaking after the final whistle, Micho first praised his side for fighting despite falling in the end.
“They (players) had applied themselves very well. We even had a chance to score but It hit the post, we stretched for some minutes but it wasn’t meant to be, he stated.
It was another poor show from Micho’s men, who looked a shadow of themselves throughout the entire game.
They looked blunt in the final third despite playing against what was an Algeria B team, that saw stars like ManCity playmaker Riyad Mahrez come off the bench.
And Fahad Bayo’s goal proved too late and not enough to rescue Micho’s charges after Amoura’s double had already caused the damage.
“As I believe that we are fully aware, as a team with young players we have no right to make such mistakes at this level, mistakes are extremely expensive. We have learnt the hardest way, we have no right to make these mistakes with time ahead of us, Micho added.
The loss, third for Cranes saw them remain on four points in the third position with just one game to go.
And it will be the same old story for Cranes, who will need to beat Niger and also hope that Algeria beat Tanzania, to qualify for AFCON finals next year in Ivory Coast.
Despite Sunday’s loss, Micho is still optimistic that his side can make history again.
“The match against Niger is a crucial game which can bring us to qualify for AFCON”
Following the loss against Algeria, Uganda’s qualification chances remained on the wire and they will need nothing but luck in the last game (Niger) if they are return to AFCON again.
