Uganda win over Zanzibar is a stimulus -Mwesigwa

By Abdallah Mubiru Dar es Salaam

CRANES team captain Andy Mwesigwa said that Uganda’s win against Zanzibar in the opening CECAFA Tusker Cup match on Friday will be motivator for the team against Somalia on Monday.

Uganda needs to beat Somalia to reach the quarterfinals of the regional championships with a match in hand.

Mike Serumaga created the first goal and scored the winner as Uganda beat Zanzibar 2-1 in their opener but the win was a hard earned one.

Mwesigwa said that the second half against Zanzibar was very difficult as the opponents returned with a revised formation that neutralized the Cranes wingers and turned the pressure on Uganda.

“We had to react very quickly as it started to become very difficult.  We kept on trying all the way and we finally obtained the three points,” said Mwesigwa.

He added that: “it became difficult when Zanzibar scored most especially with the support from home fans but eventually we got the job done.”

Mwesigwa said that against Somalia, Uganda will play to win with a good goal margin to take advantage of leading the group. Cranes is in group B together Burundi, Somalia and Zanzibar.

A two goal difference separates Cranes from group leaders Burundi who beat Somalia 4-1 in the first game.

Despite the display against Zanzibar, Cranes coach Bobby Williamson expects improvement against Somalia.

“May be should have done better with the chances we created in the first half and final minutes of the game. But it was a good result.

Man of the match Serumaga agreed with his coach.  “It was not easy playing under hot temperatures but we can’t make any excuses. We need to play better if we are to get more positive results.”