World Cup Qualifiers: Micho picks Lessons from Ethiopia Loss

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic is adamant that his side’s 2-1 loss to Ethiopia was merely an experiment and a learning venture as preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers intensify.

The gaffer highlighted this during his post match interview at the Bahir Dar Stadium on Sunday August 29th and was not shy to admit the level of work ethic and improvements required of the team especially now that the first Qualifier game seems imminent.

This also doubled as Micho’s first game in charge of the team since returning as the head coach for a second stint with the first having experienced an undesirable end back in 2017.

The Cranes were indeed at the receiving end for the better part of the game as the hosts dominated proceedings. A few chances for the Cranes were registered on the evening to climax a dull performance.

Vipers forward and reigning Uganda Premier League champions topscorer Yunus Ssentamu, got the Crane’s lone goal on the evening thanks to a well directed long range strike.

This however didn’t seem sufficient enough to shift the game in Uganda’s advantage because the hosts had earlier taken an half-time lead through Nasir Abubaker before Abel Yelew doubled the lead in the 54h minute.

Addressing the press after the contest, Micho started by expressing his gratitude towards team Ethiopia for granting them the opportunity to host them.

“I thank the Ethiopian National Team for giving us this opportunity. It has been a very important game for us to assess our operation levels after a few days of training.” He stated.

The gaffer needed no invitation to speak about the frustrating result and this is what he had to say:

“The game is about picking lessons, even in circumstances where you win, you still learn something. We have indeed learnt a lesson the hard way through defeat.

“It’s an experiment to get answers and find out which players are ready for Kenya. The benefit of this game is that we get to assess the team and analyze what is required to fine tune the players for the challenge.” He added.

Micho further admitted that the addition of a few more international players will make the team a more competitive one heading into games against both Kenya and Mali.

Uganda will be hosted in Kenya by the Harambee stars on 2nd September before facing off with Mali on 6th in their own backyard at the St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende.

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