Cranes will qualify-Bobby Williamson
May 23, 2010
ON a bright Sunday morning yesterday, Bobby Williamson took a stroll around his luxurious apartment in Ntinda.Later, as the weather grew chilly, he returned to the sitting room and began contemplating about the task that lies ahead following his side’s narrow 1-0 first leg win over Kenya in the Af
By Fred Kaweesi
Africa Nations Championship
Uganda 1 Kenya 0
June 5, return leg
ON a bright Sunday morning yesterday, Bobby Williamson took a stroll around his luxurious apartment in Ntinda.Later, as the weather grew chilly, he returned to the sitting room and began contemplating about the task that lies ahead following his side’s narrow 1-0 first leg win over Kenya in the Africa Nations Championship.
Just like the over 10,000 expectant crowd that made the 40,202-spectator strong football cathedral at Namboole, Williamson was disturbed with the team’s performance rather than the result. “It was not us. We were well capable of playing better. But credit to the boys, they are capable of getting the result we need in Nairobi,†he stated.
The Cranes rode on Sula Matovu’s first half strike to place one foot into the finals after staging one of the most disappointing displays seen at the ultra complex.
Matovu thumped home from the edge of the box after Simeon Masaba’s out-swinging cross had eluded Kenya goalkeeper Lawrence Webo.
Cranes avoid away goal
All that Cranes now have to do in a fortnight’s time is craft a goalless draw or better still win to guarantee automatic qualification for the tournament due in Sudan next year.
The requirements at hand are achievable if Cranes’ star performers turn out in better shape in the return leg against a Kenyan side that was so ordinary. The beauty about it is the Cranes did not concede at home – an achievement that places them in a perfect position and their opponents under immense pressure.
Fitness troubles
Cranes might have staged their most disappointing displays seen in a long while but that had nothing to do with Kenya proving superior but rather fitness troubles.
The team made this fixture with five first team players Hamza Muwonge (goalkeeper), Isaac Isinde (defender), Masaba (defender), Owen Kasule (midfielder) and striker Tony Odur all struggling with various injuries.
But among the ingredients of great sides is the ability to grind results from the most unfortunate circumstances and Cranes did exactly that.
Sadam must style up
Williamson expects the return leg to be tight and tense and will ring the necessary changes.
Among the factors that stifled Williamson’s game-plan was the unexpected early substitution of Juma Sadam for Caesar Okhuti. The Scot had expected at least 75 minutes from the youngster but was left with no choice following the midfielder’s casual performance.
Williamson’s plan will highlight the menace created by George Odhiambo, who proved a threat after coming on.
Matovu needs more maturity
Experienced players will tell you that such stages hinge on huge moments, about taking your chances and Matovu, should have done better. With more composure and belief, Matovu could have scored from the two occasions he eluded the visitors’ offside trap.
What next in Nairobi?
It will not be a game for the fainthearted. Williamson has to stick with his 4-3-3 formation. The Scot may argue that the temptation to be cautious might be there, but sometimes you can be too cautious and play straight into the hands of the opposition.
Africa Nations Championship
Uganda 1 Kenya 0
June 5, return leg
ON a bright Sunday morning yesterday, Bobby Williamson took a stroll around his luxurious apartment in Ntinda.Later, as the weather grew chilly, he returned to the sitting room and began contemplating about the task that lies ahead following his side’s narrow 1-0 first leg win over Kenya in the Africa Nations Championship.
Just like the over 10,000 expectant crowd that made the 40,202-spectator strong football cathedral at Namboole, Williamson was disturbed with the team’s performance rather than the result. “It was not us. We were well capable of playing better. But credit to the boys, they are capable of getting the result we need in Nairobi,†he stated.
The Cranes rode on Sula Matovu’s first half strike to place one foot into the finals after staging one of the most disappointing displays seen at the ultra complex.
Matovu thumped home from the edge of the box after Simeon Masaba’s out-swinging cross had eluded Kenya goalkeeper Lawrence Webo.
Cranes avoid away goal
All that Cranes now have to do in a fortnight’s time is craft a goalless draw or better still win to guarantee automatic qualification for the tournament due in Sudan next year.
The requirements at hand are achievable if Cranes’ star performers turn out in better shape in the return leg against a Kenyan side that was so ordinary. The beauty about it is the Cranes did not concede at home – an achievement that places them in a perfect position and their opponents under immense pressure.
Fitness troubles
Cranes might have staged their most disappointing displays seen in a long while but that had nothing to do with Kenya proving superior but rather fitness troubles.
The team made this fixture with five first team players Hamza Muwonge (goalkeeper), Isaac Isinde (defender), Masaba (defender), Owen Kasule (midfielder) and striker Tony Odur all struggling with various injuries.
But among the ingredients of great sides is the ability to grind results from the most unfortunate circumstances and Cranes did exactly that.
Sadam must style up
Williamson expects the return leg to be tight and tense and will ring the necessary changes.
Among the factors that stifled Williamson’s game-plan was the unexpected early substitution of Juma Sadam for Caesar Okhuti. The Scot had expected at least 75 minutes from the youngster but was left with no choice following the midfielder’s casual performance.
Williamson’s plan will highlight the menace created by George Odhiambo, who proved a threat after coming on.
Matovu needs more maturity
Experienced players will tell you that such stages hinge on huge moments, about taking your chances and Matovu, should have done better. With more composure and belief, Matovu could have scored from the two occasions he eluded the visitors’ offside trap.
What next in Nairobi?
It will not be a game for the fainthearted. Williamson has to stick with his 4-3-3 formation. The Scot may argue that the temptation to be cautious might be there, but sometimes you can be too cautious and play straight into the hands of the opposition.