Les Coelecantes, Saturday evening had a feel of Nelson Mandela Stadium, the venue of Sunday’s potentially epic encounter with hosts Uganda Cranes in an AFCON 2017 qualifier day six.
Speaking after the session that lasted two hours, Head Coach Amiredine Abdou expressed readiness for the task ahead which he repeatedly described as tough.
“We know we are going to play against a tough team, we know they want to qualify, but we have prepared well, so we will see how it goes on Sunday,” Abdou said.
Asked about his approach for the match, the 44-year old was cagey, but admitted Uganda will take the game to them from onset in search for early goals, however, he promised they will respond to anything thrown at them.
“We are aware Uganda will come charged at us but we will respond.”
The motivation for his team he added was to beat their own targets and those set by their federation which is to build a team for the future.
“We are not here to deny Uganda qualification, ours is to prepare a team for future and meet targets set by our federation. We will try our best to win, but it’s a game of football, so anything can happen.”
Abdou singled out Uganda Cranes Captain and Boroka Swallows striker Godfrey and Farouk Miya of Standard Liege as some of the potential threats for his back line.
“Threats will come from all over because the team has good quality players, none the less we will have keen eyes on players like Massa and Miya.”
Uganda needs a win to make it through to Gabon next year and break a 39-year jinx.
@bonfaceosano
