Uganda Cranes now to face Tanzania in the Cecafa Challenge Cup
Uganda Cranes - Copyright : StarAfrica
Uganda cranes coach Bobby Williamson has termed his side as the best team in this years CECAFA Senior challenge cup tournament after they saw of Ethiopia 2-0 to reach the semi finals where they will face off with Tanzania
“With all due respect to the other teams we have been the best team in the region and in this tournament. Ethiopia were a good side and I congratulate them for their good display” said Williamson who has led the Cranes to three regional titles in his four years at the helm.
Midfielder Geoffrey kizito opened the scoring for Uganda barely after three minutes for his second goal of the campaign before Robert Ssentongo also scored his second in as many matches in the 60th minute to end Ethiopia’s journey.
“I am very satisfied with how my players have worked hard for each other and their general attitude since the tournament began. We are the only team yet to concede a goal in this championships and that shows the commitment the boys have to the course” explained the Scottish coach
Williamson said the only thing that can stop them from winning the tournament is fatigue as they have played four games in nine days and by the end of the week they will have played six games in two weeks. They also face Kilimanajaro stars who have had one more day to rest than them
“I have always said the tournament need to be reorganized because ideally we should play maybe five matches to get the winner. Many matches reduced the quality of place on show because players get tired and are susceptible to injury” he said
Williamson also pointed out the advantage being given to teams that finish as best losers end up in the quarter final draw saying they are less deserving and the situation should be changed to go straight to the semi finals after the group stages
“Imagine with only one win to their name Ethiopia had they beaten us could have just been one more match away from the finals while teams like us and Burundi with three wins can get knocked out early” he remarked
Cranes will be weary of the Tanzania speed merchant Mrisho Ngasa and lanky forward John Bocco when the two sides meet in the 7pm kick off on Thursday.
“We know Ngasa ahs speed but we have defenders(Dennis Iguma) who use their head and know how to adapt to different situations.
Tanzania romped into the last four with a comfortable 2-0 win over Rwanda that left the Danish coach confident that his side can go all the way away from home soil by first avenging the defeat they suffered at similar stage to the hosts Uganda.
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