Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango has come out and suggested that his side needs to work harder in order to qualify for a second consecutive AFCON tournament.
The Cranes qualified for its first AFCON tournament in close to 40 years two-years ago and when the draws for the 2019 qualifiers were drawn, it was perceived by many that it would be an easy stroll for Onyango and co.
Two games down the road, the Cranes seat on top of group L with four points but on Saturday, failed to beat up on a Tanzanian side that they are expected to take care of especially at home (Namboole).
Speaking after the 0-0 draw with the Taifah Stars, Onyango lauded his teammates’ efforts but stressed they have to work hard to make sure they qualify for the 2019 edition.
“As a captain i think we played our best, we gave our all but unfortunately we didn’t get the result we wanted, said Onyango.
“We created the chances but unfortunately we couldn’t score but just to remind u, this was the East African derby and derbies are never easy.
“It is disappointing not to get points at home because we are known for being formidable at home and people come knowing it’s very difficult to stop us but unfortunately that was not the case against Tanzania.
“We need to work a little bit harder and score goals in our next games to ensure qualification.
“Against Tanzania, we made it difficult for ourselves and now we face a must win encounter in the next game and hopefully we will get all three point.
On Tanzania, the 2016 African-based footballer of the year had this to say:
“We were played a very quick and determined side especially upfront. Their captain lifted them all the time.
“The Boys gave their best, got the fight going but it’s one of those days when a goal doesn’t come for you.
“We now expect to get six more points which am confident will takes us through.
Uganda will next take on Lesotho in a double header this coming month starting with a home tie in Kampala and then an away fixture in Maseru three days later.
Lesotho are second on the log with two points from as many games. The Crocodiles drew one all in their match-day two fixture at home to Cape Verde on Sunday.
