Desabre: Everything is possible in knockout ties
Cranes coach Desabre (L) knows Uganda’s primary goal was achieved after progressing to the last 16 and now wants to play stronger teams. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
Uganda Cranes take on Senegal’s Lions of Teranga in the second match of Round 16 at the 75,000 seater capacity Cairo International stadium on Friday night.
It will be the Cranes first Nations Cup knockout game since playing Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the semi-final in Ghana 1978.
After the loss to Egypt on Sunday, Sébastien Desabre, the Cranes coach said: “The opponent is not very important for us. Kenya or Senegal is not the same level. But I prefer Senegal it gives us chance to play another strong team.”
“For me it’s a game and it’s a knockout game and all is possible in football. What is important is to go there and give our all no matter what.”
Confident Cranes
Desabre’s words were echoed by the captain Denis Onyango and his deputy Hassan Wasswa.
Onyango is confident Cranes can take on the best teams on the continent.
“We are not afraid of any team here. We have equal chances,” said the 34-year-old shot-stopper, who was voted African-based Player of the Year in 2016.
Wasswa said: “For us now, it’s about staying focused. When you get to the knockout stage, you know anything is possible.”
Senegal finding their rhythm
The Lions of Teranga have beaten two Cecafa teams Tanzania (2-0) and Kenya (3-0) and now face a Uganda.
They are gradually improving as the tournament heads into its business end of the tournament. Now they will be under pressure to turn dominance into goals against a Ugandan side that has conceded thrice in as many games thus far.
Their match against Algeria last week, was described as the final which came early by legends Samuel Eto’o and El Hadji Diouf for its high level and intensity. Algeria won 1-0.
Mane on the mark
Sadio Mane finally registered his name on the score sheet with two goals against Kenya. The Liverpool Champions League winning star has now scored 16 goals in his last 20 appearances for club and country (all competitions) could have scored a hat-trick, but missed first half penalty. Ismaïla Sarr (pictured right) broke the deadlock against the resolute Harambee Stars to help calm the nerves after Mane’s miss.
KEY STATISTICS
*Senegal have won one and drawn two other meeting with Uganda (All matches).
*Senegal have kept clean sheets in 7 of their last 9 matches (all competitions).
*Uganda have kept clean sheets in three of the last five matches.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS - UGANDA vs. SENEGAL
13 Jan 2001
Uganda 1-1 Senegal, Afcon qualifier
24 Mar 2001
Senegal 3-0 Uganda, Afcon qualifier
09 Jun 2012
Uganda 1-1 Senegal, Fifa World Cup Q
07 Sep 2013
Senegal 1-0 Uganda, Fifa World Cup Q
05 Jun 2017
Senegal 0-0 Uganda, Int. Friendly
