By Robert Kayindi James
With just hours before the Eagles of Mali entertain the Uganda Cranes in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), Mali head coach Djibril Drame claims he doesn’t know much about his group D opponents, Uganda.
While speaking at a press conference held last evening at Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu, Rwanda Djibril Drame said; “I can’t say I know Uganda and its players very well but I have been reading on the internet and they had a good year last year,” as quoted by the Daily Monitor.
“They also won Cecafa and have some good players but we are also not here as tourists. Zambia and Zimbabwe (the other pool D teams) have a related playing style like ours but Uganda is a bit different. We shall have to alter the approach a little but it will be the approach that helps us win the game,” he added.
On the other hand though, while appearing for the press conference, Cranes head coach, Micho was flanked by team captain Farouk Miya.
Speaking to the press, the Serbian seemed well conversant about his opponents highlighting the fact that Mali were last year’s U17 finalists and U20 semifinalists and have a great history in Nations Cup before commenting on Drame’s assertions on Uganda.
“I respect all he knows or does not know about us because it’s for his players not the public. I’m also minding my own business with my team and nothing said outside will destruct us,” Micho said.
Group D fixtures at Umuganda stadium in Rubavu:
Zimbabwe vs. Zambia (SS9, 4pm)
Mali vs. Uganda (SS9, 7pm)
