By Denis West
Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre has endured a mixed spell since taking over in December.
At long last, he has managed to deliver two back to back impressive victories over Lesotho that not only offered him a sigh of relief but also dragged the nation closer to returning to Cameroon 2019 Afcon.
Herein, we bring you the pertinent lessons we have learned from the double success.
Miya regains Cranes protagonist role
The Croatia based midfielder was unstoppable in 2016 as he guided Cranes to the first Afcon appearance in 39 years.
Farouk Miya went AWOL after his transfer to Belgium and returned in full flow against Lesotho at Namboole by scoring a penalty in the 3-0 win. In Maseru, he netted a double but his movement on and off the ball, showed he had regained his status as the fulcrum of the nation team.
Desabre fitting in Micho’s shoes
The 41-year old Frenchman must be the happiest member of the national team. He was heavily castigated during his sluggish start and many called for his sacking. Guess what?
Desabre went back to the drawing board and has managed to produce an attacking outfit that threatens to tear apart many teams.
Cranes has tools to attack Imagine
Cranes having the luxury of benching attacking talents like Milton Kariisa, Derrick Nsibambi, Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Milton Karisa, Allan Kyambadde, Derrick Nsibambi, Edrisa Lubega and Isaac Muleme against Lesotho in Maseru
Desabre can only think of a working formulae that can accommodate them all into an attacking outfit that lead Cranes to the continental showpiece and maybe making it to the later stages of the tourney.
Namboole is still a fortress
Even on the day Cranes disappointed against Tanzania, still they didn’t lose at Namboole.
They have just lost there once in 12 years – against Togo. Expect Cranes to be in commanding form against Cape Verde on November 17 – just like they were against Lesotho last week.
Onyango is Africa’s best
It is only Cranes shot-stopper and skipper Denis Onyango and South African Itumeleng Khune that haven’t conceded in four Afcon outings – pure class.
Onyango, named the best player in Africa last year can always be called ‘Mr Safe Hands’ – for he has been reliable since 2006 when he took over from Postnet Omony.
Local based players deserve
Vipers’ playmaker Moses Waiswa and KCCA striker Patrick Kaddu have served Desabre with a perfect example that even the home based boys can do the job.
Desabre should start thinking about local based players like Timothy Awany and Sadam Juma henceforth.
Cameroon 2019 Afcon qualification Group L standings
Team P W D L F A Pts
Uganda 4 3 1 0 6 0 10
Tanzania 4 1 2 1 3 4 5
Cape Verde 4 1 1 2 4 4 4
Lesotho 4 0 2 2 2 7 2
Match Day 4 results
Lesotho 0-2 Uganda
Tanzania 2-0 Cape Verde
Next fixtures November 16-17
Uganda vs Cape Verde
Lesotho vs Tanzania
March 22, 2019
Tanzania vs Uganda
Cape Verde v Lesotho