Mwesigwa proud of the team spirit

By Swalley Kenyi in Marrakech

2014 World Cup qualifier

Senegal 1 Uganda 0

UGANDA Cranes captain Andy Mwesigwa is proud of the team despite its futile FIFA 2014 World Cup campaign that ended with a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the last group match in Marrakesh, Morocco, Saturday.

A ten man Uganda Cranes fell to Senegal to finish second on the Group J table after the defeat.

Addressing the press at the post match conference, Mwesigwa, who has played crucial rolls as the campaign since last year said that Uganda Cranes bowed out of the qualifiers as a proud and improved side.

This was in response to their second place finish on the table behind Senegal (12points), who qualified at Uganda’s (8points) expense because only the group winner advances.

“We came to attack but it is unfortunate that we lost many scoring opportunities. But I can say that creating chances against Senegal proves that we can match the best on the continent and we are as good,” Mweisgwa said as his counterpart Mohamed Diame listened.

“Playing the last 50minutes with 10men and creating scoring chances against Senegal shows that we are good enough. The day was just theirs and I congratulate them for taking it,” Mwesigwa backed by Cranes coach Micho Sredejovic said after the loss at Marrakech stadium.

Diame conceded that Uganda was not easy to beat but the loss of one of the left back Godfrey Walusimbi gifted them. Walusimbi was dismissed for dangerous play late in the first half at a time; the Cranes looked every inch focused to frustrate Senegal.

“We needed just a draw and we were focused not to lose. Uganda also kept their focus but it became easier when they got a red card. We knew exactly what to do and it was a matter of time for us to win,” Diame said. 

Micho also saluted the opponent and said Cranes deserved a commendation because a 10-man Uganda side containing Senegal confirms how their game had greatly improved. 

Cranes striker Hamis Kizza missed scoring opportunities early in the second half when Senegalese goalkeeper Coundoul Bouna twice saved his strikes.