Afcon 2019: Onyango wary of underdogs as Uganda hosts Tanzania
Uganda Cranes skipper Denis Onyango has warned his teammates against undermining Tanzania’s Taifa Stars as both teams battle during their group L game on Saturday.
Uganda sits in the 17th position on the continent and 82nd in the world whereas their Tanzanian counterparts are 39th and 140th in Africa and world respectively according to the latest FIFA rankings.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference on Friday, Onyango warned against undermining the Taifa Stars who look to be the underdogs.
“They are not a weak team despite not qualifying for the Afcon. Every team has a trigger and this could be theirs (to go to Afcon),”Onyango said.
“It will be an East African derby and s players we must know it will not be an easy game against our neighbors.”
The Cranes skipper reminisced the 2011 debacle at where Uganda needed only three points to qualify for the 2012 Afcon finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea only for the neighbors Kenya to spoil the party when they forced the hosts to a nil all draw at Namboole.
Onyango said his teammates ought to handle the Saturday game with care.
“We saw it when we played Kenya but we know what is ahead. We are well played because we want good results to stay at the top of the table. They have Bwana Samata who is on form in Belgium but we will not look at only one player but entire team,” he added.
He noted that the team should work hard to finish as group leaders.
Tactician Sebastien Desabre however said that their team spirit will be Cranes’ secret weapon to beat Tanzania at Namboole.
“The opponent is good but am sure my players will play with all their hearts. We hope the stadium will be full to push and support the boys,”Desabre said.
The French tactician said since January he has been assessing players with a view of trying to change the team’s philosophy adding that it is time to do something different against Tanzania.
Uganda is top of group L with three points after beating Cape Verde one nil in their opening game two months ago.
Tanzania have one point after drawing with Lesotho.
