Ugandan soccer fans have expressed mixed emotions regarding the Cranes’ latest defeat to Algeria in match day 5 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Cranes suffered a 2-1 defeat to Algeria in the game played on Sunday at Japoma Stadium, Douala, Cameroon.
Mohamed Amoura scored a brace for Algeria while Uganda’s goal came from second-half substitute Fahad Bayo.
The result leaves Micho Sredojevic’s occupy third place on 4 points as Algeria moved to 15 while Tanzania and Niger have 7 and 2 respectively.
In the last round of matches, Uganda comes up against Niger in September and the Cranes will need to win and hope Tanzania loses to Algeria to stand a chance of qualifying.
Fans divided over Cranes’ defeat to Algeria
Soccer fans took to the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) to express their thoughts on the team. A handful of fans believed the team performed better against the much fancied Desert Foxes.
One of the fans with the username of Jerome Kakande, stated that they played well considering they were ‘home’ away from home.
Uganda played their home match in Cameroon because CAF has not approved any stadium in their country.
“Thank you so much team Uganda, it’s not easy to score [against] such a team especially when at your other home,” Kakande commented.
It was the same sentiment shared by another Cranes supporter Dennis Mused though he believes Uganda can play even better with a new coach.
“An honourable loss. We shall do better with a better coach next campaign.”
Another supporter, Kayongo Henry Krybba Senior has urged Micho to drop some players from the squad.
“We lost but the style of play has kinda changed this time. It was a good game to watch, however, some players must be dropped.”
READ MORE: Morocco coach explains why South Africa will be a surprise at the AFCON next year
Uganda showed a lot of resistance in the first half before Algeria broke the deadlock. The Cranes could have responded with a few chances going begging.
Zaid Zedinho, a Cranes fan said the players were guilty of missing chances and the coach shouldn’t be blamed.
“The only game in my entire life I’ve seen Uganda cranes creating more chances in open play,” read the comment. “Well played though players lacked sharpness in the opponent yard…. They are things that a coach can’t teach you on the pitch like missing clear chances, controlling the ball, if you can’t do that then Never blame the coach because he will not come to score the chances you miss it’s you the player to keep your number and name on the national team squad by performing well.”
Some fans want Micho sacked
Another section of fans have called for the resignation of FUFA president Eng. Moses Magogo and head coach of the national team, Micho.
One fan has accused the FUFA president of financially benefiting from the coach’s allowances. Another one cited that players are not picked on ‘merit’.
Nyakana Peter: “Fufa president please we need another tactician who will summon players on merit.”
Niwabine Kepher: “Micho shares salary with Magogo.”
