Sparrow Hawks of Togo host Uganda Cranes in Lome for the first leg of the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup second round qualifiers on Thursday, November 12,2015.

Speaking exclusively to Soka25east.com from Uganda, Cranes’ head Coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojovic has expressed belief in going past the west Africans despite underwhelming record against them.

In their last four meetings, the Sparrows boast total dominance over the East African giants beating them in all the encounters, scoring 8 goals while conceding none. But Micho is not bothered about history saying his approach will be gradual.

“Togo has won all past matches against us and we have never scored against them. That will be our motivation to gradually march past them; score the first goal, then record the first win and finally go past them,” Micho said.

The Serbian is however alive to the herculean task before them saying it will not be a walk in the park. He was in charge when Cranes fell home and away in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers at the last hurdle to deny them a historic return to the continental showpiece since 1978.

“It will be very hard one and anything can decide the outcome like last year so focus and concentration is crucial with all other football aspects taken care of,” he added.

Pressed on whether Uganda fans should expect first victory over Togo, Micho had this to say, “ I’m not a man of big words. Presently I am busy looking for a training field as Namboole Stadium is not available. I am always confident otherwise I would not spend days and nights taking care of every detail wishing to give convincing reason to god to help us.”

“In official matches I have over 65 percent win rate, that’s enough to win you English Premier League and it has not come as an accident but as intention since each moment I live football.” He concluded.

The second stanza of the game will be staged at the Namboole Stadium in Uganda on Sunday 15 – the aggregate winner moves to the group stage.

@bonfaceosano