Uganda cranescoach Milutin Sredojević “Micho” stated that his team had ‘stage fright’ after their 0-1 defeat against Ghana in their Africa Cup of Nations Group encounter.
Uganda were downed on Tuesday against Ghana in AFCON’s Group D opener thanks to an Andre Ayew penalty to occupy the last place after the first round. The Cranes will look to make up for their loss when they face Egypt on Saturday who by their turn got a disappointing goalless draw against Mali.
“After 39 years of not being there [in Africa Cup of Nations] when you are qualified you come here [Gabon] to play. I need to say that in the first half we had an element which I want to call it stage fright,” Micho said in post game press conference.
“We paid expenses of one mistake that is very hard to explain. Experience of a great player like Asamoah Gyan intercepted the ball, their penalty came and Andre Ayew converted. In half time, we were fully aware that we are on a big stage and that this competition is Formula 1 of African football. We needed the awakening of every player, we played up till five strikers upfront risking everything but unfortunately it didn’t come our way.”
“I need to congratulate my colleague Avram Grant and his team upon winning, football is all about putting the ball in the net. I am very proud of my team and their effort, every player has given his best. No matter that giants like Egypt and Mali are infront of us we still believe that we shall give 200% of our best in order to qualify.”
