Cranes love underdog tag

A section of Uganda Cranes players take instructions from physical fitness trainer Gerome D’Antonio before their work out at the Park Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates yesterday. The session was closely monitored by coach Desabre. PHOTO BY FUFA MEDIA

KAMPALA- On paper, Uganda and Zimbabwe are arguably Group A’s possible addresses for points if seen from Egypt and DRC’s lenses.
Just nine Nations Cup finals appearances between them, the Cranes and Warriors - despite their recent surge - are still levels of pedigree below seven-time champions Egypt and two-time winners DRC.

Yet there is no discounting the danger Cranes and the Warriors pose to the aforementioned duo. Having twice beaten Uganda by just a goal’s margin and lost by the same in the last three competitive matches, Egypt will be looking at the Cranes and appreciating the danger they pose.

DRC, too, are well aware of Zimbabwe’s arsenal having fallen victims to them as the Warriors led their qualification group.
Yet, while it gives confidence coming into a tournament as one of the favourites, it also pumps up some pressure too.

No wonder the Cranes - who are on a three-week camp in Abu Dhabi since Monday, and Zim, who are in South Africa for Cosafa, are already looking to their strengths and underdog tag and relishing it.

“Everyone is talking about Egypt because they are a big team and are hosts. But we have played them before and we are also not bad,” Cranes assistant captain Hassan Wasswa told Daily Monitor.

“DRC too are a big side. But we know our strengths and we shall surprise people.”
Wasswa added: “I have hope that by the time we end this training camp in Abu Dhabi, we shall be fully fit for the tournament in Egypt. We are confident and shall not disappoint.”

On their part, African legend Peter Ndlovu believes his native Zimbawe probably have the best striking force in Africa at the moment in Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona, and that they will impress upon Africa. “We have an advantage because everyone is talking about Egypt because they are the hosts and the main team,” the legend told South African media. “We have to just relax because they (Egyptians) are the ones that will be under pressure to beat us and that should give us an edge over them,” the current Mamelodi Sundowns manager added. Elsewhere, the Cranes continued intensive workouts in Abu Dhabi with a gym session yesterday morning before training at Sheikh Zayed Stadium under the evening floodlights.

A section of Muslim players have been handed a special program that fits into their fasting period as well as training requirements.

PLAYERS IN ABU DHABI

Denis Masinde Onyango, Hassan
Wasswa Mawanda, Joseph Benson
Ochaya, Timothy Denis Awanyi,
Godfrey Walusimbi, Patrick Henry
Kaddu, Bevis Mugabi, Isaac Muleme,
Khalid Aucho, Taddeo Lwanga, Allan
Kyambadde, Ibrahim Sadam Juma,
Moses Waiswa, Derrick Nsibambi,
Murushid Jjuuko, Kirizestom Ntambi
and Faruku Miya
*The rest of the players (11) will join
between 2nd and 7th June. Azira
Mike will report last.