Uganda national team the Cranes play Slovakia’ s Falcons Sunday, January 8, 2017 in Abu Dhabi as part of preparations for the 2017 Total Gabon African Cup of nations.
So why would Uganda play a European opposition while getting in shape for an African championship?
Head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic holds that the high profile friendly, which he recommended, will help build the technical awareness of his team, and give them a feel of playing at the highest level.
“Because of the absolute high grade technical awareness such a match can provide, and the individual and team growth in terms of how to behave and play at the highest international level,” the Serbian manager explained.
Slovakia, ranked 24th by FIFA qualified for the 2010 World Cup, and the 2016 UEFA Euro in France – reaching the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, after beating Russia 2-1 and drawing against England 0-0.
They boast of stars such as Fenerbahce and former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, who is also the captain, Napoli’s attacking midfielder and skipper Marek Hamsik, and Vladimir Weiss, a winger with Qatar Stars League’s Al-Gharafa.
Uganda, ranked 73rd have never been to the World Cup, and are making a return to the AFCON after a 39-year absence. Their last show was in the 1978 edition in which they lost to hosts Ghana 2-0 in the final.
