Cranes scare stars’ coach
Apr 13, 2008
IF the nature and performance of a team usually portrays the character of its manager, then Uganda’s Africa Championship qualifying opponents Tanzania are in deep trouble.
By Fred Kaweesi
Results
Uganda 3 Eritrea 0
Tanzania 2 Kenya 0
First round, May, 4
Tanzania v Uganda
IF the nature and performance of a team usually portrays the character of its manager, then Uganda’s Africa Championship qualifying opponents Tanzania are in deep trouble.
The Taifa Stars on Saturday overwhelmed Kenya’s Harambe Stars 2-0, to progress 2-1 on aggregate and secure a first round date with Uganda.
Under normal circumstances, Uganda Cranes’ recent meetings with Tanzania, that include a 1-0 friendly defeat in Dar-es Salaam and 1-1 draw in Kampala last year, would demand caution.
However, national team coach Laszlo Csaba is resolute in his belief that such statistics would count to nothing when the two sides face-off next month.
“We have every chance of beating them and qualifying for the next stages. We are capable. We lost to them in the friendly last year but that was a game in which we had more of possession and a better game,†Csaba stated.
The first leg between the two sides will take place in Dar-es-Salaam on May 4, with the return fixture a fortnight later.
“It’s always an advantage starting away from home because it gives us the chance of getting that away goal and planning for the return game,†he added.
Csaba’s self-belief was justified by his Tanzania counterpart Marcio Maximo’s cowardly statements yesterday.
“The game against Uganda will be tough. Uganda is up in FIFA rankings, so we need to prepare with a good strategy,†Brazilian Maximo said.
Last Friday, as hard as Csaba tried to look impassive, he could not hold back a smile flickering across his lips to greet his side’s performance in the 3-0 win over Eritrea.
Dan Wagaluka was fantastic, causing panic on the Eritrean left flank that withered under the strain of his masterful performance.
While Steven Bengo, occasionally struggled in the game, he proved himself a precious asset with the opening goal from another of the several set-pieces that have secured him cult status at SC Villa. He made many marvel at his eagle-eyed sense after converting from 25-yards.
Geoffrey Sserunkuuma’s second had been an almagamation of instinct and class. Ivory Coast will host the tournament.
Results
Uganda 3 Eritrea 0
Tanzania 2 Kenya 0
First round, May, 4
Tanzania v Uganda
IF the nature and performance of a team usually portrays the character of its manager, then Uganda’s Africa Championship qualifying opponents Tanzania are in deep trouble.
The Taifa Stars on Saturday overwhelmed Kenya’s Harambe Stars 2-0, to progress 2-1 on aggregate and secure a first round date with Uganda.
Under normal circumstances, Uganda Cranes’ recent meetings with Tanzania, that include a 1-0 friendly defeat in Dar-es Salaam and 1-1 draw in Kampala last year, would demand caution.
However, national team coach Laszlo Csaba is resolute in his belief that such statistics would count to nothing when the two sides face-off next month.
“We have every chance of beating them and qualifying for the next stages. We are capable. We lost to them in the friendly last year but that was a game in which we had more of possession and a better game,†Csaba stated.
The first leg between the two sides will take place in Dar-es-Salaam on May 4, with the return fixture a fortnight later.
“It’s always an advantage starting away from home because it gives us the chance of getting that away goal and planning for the return game,†he added.
Csaba’s self-belief was justified by his Tanzania counterpart Marcio Maximo’s cowardly statements yesterday.
“The game against Uganda will be tough. Uganda is up in FIFA rankings, so we need to prepare with a good strategy,†Brazilian Maximo said.
Last Friday, as hard as Csaba tried to look impassive, he could not hold back a smile flickering across his lips to greet his side’s performance in the 3-0 win over Eritrea.
Dan Wagaluka was fantastic, causing panic on the Eritrean left flank that withered under the strain of his masterful performance.
While Steven Bengo, occasionally struggled in the game, he proved himself a precious asset with the opening goal from another of the several set-pieces that have secured him cult status at SC Villa. He made many marvel at his eagle-eyed sense after converting from 25-yards.
Geoffrey Sserunkuuma’s second had been an almagamation of instinct and class. Ivory Coast will host the tournament.