Micho optimistic over Uganda Cranes' AFCON chances

 

Former Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho' Sredojević believes that Uganda can go past the round of 16 in this year's AFCON finals in Egypt on June 19 to July 19.

 

"With good preparations and support from all stakeholders in Ugandan football, I have no doubt Uganda will reach very far and beyond the top 16," Micho told New Vision in a telephone interview.

 

Uganda are in group A with hosts Egypt, DR Congo, and Zimbabwe.

 

Micho said that Uganda can only think of qualifying to next round if they negotiate their way past DR Congo and Zimbabwe.

 

"If Uganda wants to qualify for the quarterfinals, they need to get results in the first two games. It's tricky to get a result in the last match against the home team that has the support of the crowd. Uganda needs to sort all the problems before the first match against DR Congo. It's a playable team. It won't be an easy team to crack but I strongly know they have weakness in defence which Uganda can exploit. Uganda also has to find a way of stopping their attacking front. Uganda's next opponents Zimbabwe are a good team with a good attack and midfield but just like Congo, they also have some weakness in defence," he added.

 

Cranes will play the first match against DR Congo on June 22, thereafter, they will face Zimbabwe four days later before winding up the group games with the hosts Egypt on June 30. All Uganda's group stage matches will be played at the Cairo International Stadium.

 

Micho is currently with South African giants Orlando Pirates who are on the verge of winning the league title.