Former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has reacted to Uganda’s start at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in Algeria on Saturday evening.
Micho says he is treating Group B matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Senegal and Ivory Coast as three cup finals.
Micho spoke to the Uganda FA website after the Cranes played out to a goalless draw with the DRC at Stade du 19 Mai 1956 in Annaba.
The former Buccaneers mentor said the Cranes gave a good account of themselves against the two-time CHAN winners, the DRC.
WE’VE PLAYED ONE FINAL AND THERE ARE TWO MORE CHAN FINALS
“I give credit to the players for applying themselves, for working very hard and for not being intimidated by the big-name players of the opponents,” he said.
“They showed that Uganda has a lot to offer at this tournament. We have come to play in three cup finals.
“We have played one cup final, and there are two more cup finals.”
Micho has since switched his focus to Uganda’s next game against Senegal on Wednesday, followed by a meeting with Ivory Coast on Sunday.
“We just need to refocus in the next game against Senegal,” Micho added.
Uganda, whose squad comprises former SuperSport United midfielder Moses Waiswa, are making their sixth appearance at the CHAN finals.
Uganda should be hoping for a better showing in Algeria, as they have never progressed beyond the group stages of the previous five editions of the tournament.
BAFANA BAFANA CONSPICUOUSLY ABSENT FROM CHAN
CHAN is exclusive to players based in African domestic leagues and will run from January 13 to February 4 in Algeria.
Bafana Bafana missed out on the CHAN places after losing 6-1 on aggregate to Angola in the final qualifying round for the Southern zone.
The tournament started on Friday when the hosts Algeria beat Libya 1-0. Defending champions Morocco have not made it to the competition due to their sour relationship with Algeria.
CHAN RESULTS
FRIDAY
Algeria 1 Libya 0
SATURDAY
DRC 0 Uganda 0
Ivory Coast 0 Senegal 1
Ethiopia 0 Mozambique 0
CHAN FIXTURES
SUNDAY (January 15 2023)
Morocco v Sudan @ 6pm
Madagascar v Ghana @ 9pm
CHAN GROUPS
A (Baraki Stadium): Algeria, Libya, Mozambique, Ethiopia
B (Stade du 19 Mai 1956, Annaba): DR Congo, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal
C (Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium, Constantine): Morocco, Sudan, Madagascar, Ghana
D (Olympic Stadium, Oran): Mali, Angola, Mauritania
E (Olympic Stadium, Oran): Cameroon, Congo, Niger
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