By Robert Kayindi James
While it’s a do or die duel for Uganda against Zimbabwe in one of the closing fixtures of pool D, Uganda Cranes head tactician, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic expects a certain level of professionalism from Zambia when they face off with Mali today.
The 47-year-old Serbian has promised that Uganda will do their job against Zimbabwe when the two sides meet today in Umuganda Stadium in Gisenyi as they wait for results from the corresponding fixture between Zambia and Mali which will be played at stade Régional Nyamirambo in Kigali.
“We shall play to the best of our ability against Zimbabwe, we shall play our part as we wait for the results from the other match,” coach Micho said.
Much as Micho trusts that the Cranes will play their part, he also expects Zambia not lose their winning mentality by winning against Mali.
“I know Zambians are proud and honourable people. President of their federation Kalusha Bwalya is a legend of African football and will not allow his team to go down and lose the winning mentality,” Micho added.
Uganda take on a Warriors side that have nothing to lose having been eliminated out of the competition already following their two consecutive losses. The Cranes must beat them by at least 2-0 or with any score line that gives them a two goal margin to send them to 4 points as they pray that Zambia beat Mali.
African Nations Championship (CHAN): Group D Final Fixtures
Uganda v Zimbabwe – Umuganda, Gisenyi (SS9, 5PM)
Zambia v Mali – Nyamirambo (SS Select, 5PM)