The Cranes are set to land in Libreville, Gabon tomorrow, before proceeding to Port-Gentil, where their camp at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will be, JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE reports.
The Cranes completed their itinerary of international friendly games on Wednesday, with a 0-3 loss to Ivory Coast in Abu Dhabi.
That was on the tail of the Tunisia (0-2), Slovenia (1-0) and Slovakia (3-1) games, lined up to aid in the team’s preparations for Afcon, which kicks off tomorrow.
However, although Cranes won two of those four games, it was the final game, the biggest test, that a lot of reckoning will ensue before Cranes kick-off with Ghana next Tuesday in Port-Gentil. Cranes has normally prided itself in defending well. But the defensive flaws against Ivory Coast were glaring.
For example, left-back Joseph Ochaya was easily exposed. Two of the goals conceded came from his end. Cranes’ marking during the corner-kick which resulted into the third goal by Serge Aurier, was a pointer to how the concentration will have to be raised.
Furthermore, Cranes struggled in possession, especially during times they had to venture forward, and break the opponent’s lines, to create scoring opportunities. Central midfielders Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Kizito and Mike Azira were forced to pass square.
Forwards Moses Oloya, Geoffrey Massa and Kizito Luwaga under pressure appeared ineffective, yet they are expected to be Cranes’ attacking focal point. Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s demeanour suggested real concern.