Desabre calls for unity as Cranes arrive in Egypt

Africa Cup of Nations: Uganda v DR Congo (Sunday)

Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre has urged his players to band together in a bid to foster cohesion ahead of the Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) finals that get underway on Friday in Egypt.

"The most important thing for us is to work as one complete unit with good coordination and focus. At this level, we are ready with the organisation and the talent. There is a need for cohesion coupled with the individual players to work for the best-desired results," he stated.

Desabre made the remarks shortly after the Cranes touched base in Cairo on Monday evening from Abu Dhabi ahead Africa's biggest football showpiece.

The delegation of 23 players and 12 officials was warmly received by the CAF protocol team at Cairo International Airport and the FUFA advance party led by the leader of the delegation, minister of state for youth and children affairs, Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi. They checked in at Radisson Blu Hotel in Cairo.

The tournament will have 24 teams taking part for the first time. Uganda is placed in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, Zimbabwe and DRC.