Uganda Cranes head the Athlone Stadium on Thursday evening targeting nothing less than victory against Zimbabwe in order to book a place in the quarterfinals of the 2014 Africa Nations Championship.
Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has, however, warned his players not to be too confident after they won the first game 2-1 against Burkina Faso.
“We need to play like we don’t even have a point yet, because every game is a final here,” Micho told MTNFootball.com in an interview.
The Cranes lead Group B with three points, while Zimbabwe and Morocco, who drew 0-0, are tied on a point each.
“It will not be an easy game, but the team that will get certain small aspects right will carry the day. Zimbabwe is a good side and almost play the blend of football we play,” added the coach.
Two-goal hero against Burkina Faso, Junior Yunus Sentamu, has also promised to get more goals in the tournament.
“I am enjoying my first outing with the national team and am eager to shine with more goals,” said the 19-year-old.
Uganda’s attack of Sentamu, Brian Majwega and veteran Vincent Kayizzi is not likely to change, although defender Savio Kabugo, who picked a knock in the first game, could need a fitness test.
Ian Gorowa, the Zimbabwe coach, thinks his team is now ready to play better football after drawing with the fancied Morocco in the opening game.
“It is good the boys have now cooled their nerves and now know that they cannot afford to suffer defeat in the second game if they hope to progress,” said the former Ajax Cape Town assistant coach.
Skipper Partson Jaure, who warned Uganda Cranes early this week, said they will need to get early goals.
“We have not scored yet in this tournament and picking up an early goal will drive us even more,” said Jaure.
Industrious midfielder Donald Ngoma and Mamelodi Sundowns target Kudakwashe Mahachi will be the stars to watch against Uganda Cranes.
Source: MTNFootball
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