Underrating Zimbabwe is suicidal, says Onyango
Jun 25, 2019
"I know most of the Zimbabwe players. I have played with some of them in the same clubs and majority play in the PSL (South Africa Premier League)"
SOCCER UGANDA CRANES 2019 AFCON
KAMPALA - Cranes captain Denis Onyango says it will be suicidal for his team to underrate Zimbabwe despite his team getting off to a flying start in the 2019 AFCON finals.
Zimbabwe, who Cranes play on Wednesday, currently lie at the bottom of the table - alongside DR Congo after losing their opening match on Friday night.
On the other hand, Uganda now sit top of group A, ahead of hosts Egypt, after defeating DR Congo on Saturday.
However, speaking during the press conference ahead of the Wednesday match, Onyango said there is a need for maximum concentration from the Cranes as Zimbabwe will not be a pushover.
"I know most of the Zimbabwe players. I have played with some of them in the same clubs and majority play in the PSL (South Africa Premier League)…There is no need to underrate them because they have quality players," Onyango said.
Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre says focus is key
Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre also called upon his team to stay focused for the game, saying the win Cranes registered against DR Congo would count for nothing if they failed to pick up points against Zimbabwe.
"We need maximum points against Zimbabwe so that we head to the final game with Egypt when we are relaxed and already qualified," he said.
Uganda Cranes' first match at the tournament saw them register a landmark victory, overcoming DR Congo 2-0 at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.
A goal in each half by Patrick Henry Kaddu and Emmanuel Arnold Okwi — both great headers — gave Coach Sebastien Desabre's charges the momentous win on the hot evening in Egypt.
Kaddu pounced home the opener after 14minutes of the first half off Faruku Miya's teasingly delivered corner kick.
Okwi also glanced home Miya's free-kick two minutes inside the second half to send wild celebrations from the fans who graced the match as well as the players and team officials.
The win against Congo was the best start at AFCON finals in the last 41 years.
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