A 1-1 draw between Uganda and Zimbabwe proved to be a frustrating outcome for both countries, as the point apiece was not enough for either of them to progress further in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Wednesday.
Uganda went out following a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a game they had to win although it wasn’t entirely in own hands as Zambia had to beat Mali – a feat never achieved either.
Zimbabwe Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa said they went into the game positively but missed chances and got punished.
“It’s the same old story. The difference is maybe we scored today. The way we conceded the goal in the dying seconds of the game where we could have hung on by keeping possession was very frustrating.”
Capein Hardlife Zvirekwi added: “Obviously it is disappointing that we had the game in our fingers and let it slip in that last second. I think it was loss of concentration.”
Ugandan Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic said the match was tough against a team that was relaxed and had no ambitions though they wanted to exit on a high note.
“We came into the game with an intention to stop the Zimbabwe source of danger – that is on the flanks, and we neutralised that quite well. At such a level of competition you cannot create more than five chances, but we can count five chances that we created throughout. We went all out in attack and we dominated.
“I want to give credit to the players for the belief until the last moment. It was very important to get that goal and finish the tournament on a note that is respectful. I’m very satisfied with the performance of the team. We can now say that one goal against Zambia decided our fate.”
Ugandan captain Faruku Miya said he did not want to blame his team-mates
“We lost as Uganda, plus for out supporters and the people back home. We were unlucky not to have qualified. We played a good game and got chances.”
– ANA
