Chan 2018: Cranes can avoid Sudan 2011 trap

What you need to know:

Soccer. The Cranes go into tomorrow crucial clash facing danger of losing two straight matches, something that has happened only once; at the 2011 edition in Sudan.

KAMPALA. Uganda’s story in the Africa Nations Championship (Chan) is as mixed as the Cranes 10 performances over four editions.
The Cranes arrived into this Morocco edition boasting of being the only side, alongside groupmates Ivory Coast, to be making the highest number of appearances, this being their fourth straight.
Yet in all this, thus far; all the Cranes have to show for is the 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in South Africa four years ago.
This particular event in Morocco was meant, still is, to take one step forward and make the last eight.
The start, though; a 3-1 humbling by Zambia, was hardly inspiring as the efficient Chipolopolo withered an early storm to take the day.
Now Uganda must raise again against Namibia, who edged Ivory Coast in their opener, tomorrow if they are to go into their final group match against the Ivorians four days later with unpacked bags.
The Cranes go into tomorrow crucial clash facing danger of losing two straight matches, something that has happened only once; at the 2011 edition in Sudan.
Uganda lost all three matches there, with Ibrahim Sadam Juma scoring the Cranes only goal at their debut Chan in the 2-1 defeat to Gabon.
Now Sadam, who has returned from years of obscurity to grace the tournament again, believes they can avoid that trap again by beating Namibia tomorrow and reviving their dwindling chances.
“It’s lack of faith,” said the KCCA midfield player, “That makes people afraid of meeting challenges. We still believe in ourselves 100 percent.”
His Cranes coach, Sebastien Desabre must work on his players ability to live up to physically imposing and swift players as the Zambians were if, indeed, they are to post better results tomorrow.
“We have two more games left where I will try to improve the physical aspect of our players,” said the Frenchman.