Cranes gain despite exit
Lumala keeps Senegal defender Youssouf Sabaly at bay. Uganda Coach Desabre reserved special applause for the rookie Cranes forward. AFP PHOTO
What you need to know:
- Meanwhile Senegal coach insisted that Sadio Mane would continue taking penalties for the ‘Lions of Terranga’ despite missing a second spot-kick of the tournament. Cisse acknowledged that Cranes had been a difficult opponent.
- Earlier Benin caused the first major shock in the round of 16 when they knocked out Morocco 4-1 on penalties. The game ended 1-1 after extra time. Cranes are scheduled to fly home today.
CAIRO. In the end, a campaign that started with a bang petered out with a whimper for Uganda Cranes. Cranes exited Afcon 2019 after losing 1-0 to a first half Sadio Mane strike.
Coach Sebastian Desabre was naturally deflated in the post-match press conference but he nonetheless praised the team’s showing over the four games of the competition.
“This is a project which started in Gabon 2017 and I believe in the next edition, Cranes will perform even better,” Desabre remarked.
The Frenchman was particularly happy with the first 15 minutes of the game despite watching his team receive two yellow cards to goalkeeper Denis Onyango and striker Emma Okwi.
“The goal disorganised us but through experience of this kind, we shall improve on how to manage matches.
“Senegal, like Egypt and DR Congo, are an experienced side and you can’t switch off as they will punish you.”
Desabre singled out debutante Abdul Lumala for his outstanding contribution all through the tournament. “Nobody knew this player until March when I checked on him in Sweden in the second division with Syrianska FC. I gave him a chance and now everyone talks about him.”
Desabre described him as a player with special qualities. “He played well in our system, both on the right, left and in the centre against Egypt. He caused a lot of problems to teams.”
The coach refused to accommodate questions about his future. Talk is rife that Egyptian giants Al Alhy are eyeing his services.
“Please let us respect this press conference, it’s about Uganda and Senegal,” Desabre stated.
Meanwhile Senegal coach insisted that Sadio Mane would continue taking penalties for the ‘Lions of Terranga’ despite missing a second spot-kick of the tournament. Cisse acknowledged that Cranes had been a difficult opponent.
“It (early goal) helped us to manage the game against a good side. We did not want extra- time.
“Now have a two-days rest before we meet Benin in another physical game,” Cisse observed.
Earlier Benin caused the first major shock in the round of 16 when they knocked out Morocco 4-1 on penalties. The game ended 1-1 after extra time. Cranes are scheduled to fly home today.
