After picking up a point in their last group game at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) against Mali on Wednesday evening, The Cranes are expected back home today to embark on the future.
Farouk Miya’s long-range strike against Mali on 70 minutes was an exquisite one for The Cranes to open their goalscoring account with at the Afcon.
Although it came in a game with little consequence, it had a dance to match. Considering how desperate coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic was for the team to score its first goal and also register its first win, the one-all draw with Mali was a result to reflect on as far as the individual performances were at this level.
The Serbian tactician could not hide his appreciation for his captain of the day, Hassan Wasswa. He was one warrior throughout Cranes’ brief campaign.
According to Micho, Wasswa was filled with emotion when he was told on Tuesday night that he would captain the team in its final game.It was rewarding for his unwavering fight to the cause.
Just as impressive was the marshalling of midfield by Geoffrey Kizito. Like Wasswa, Kizito played all three games without being substituted. For a player whose Cranes career was teetering since the team failed to qualify for the 2015 Afcon, Kizito vindicated himself.
But Wasswa, a prodigal son of sorts, was more commendable. Plying his trade at local club Vipers SC, Wasswa’s career has been topsy-turvy. From his early days at Kampala United and KCCA FC, Wasswa has been all over the place in Ethiopia, Benoni (South Africa), Turkey and Iraq to fulfill a football dream.
His Cranes debut was eight years ago, as he oscillated between defence and midfield without holding down a place. For some years, he was the forgotten man, only to come back into the picture during the reign of coach Bobby Williamson. It is such periods of ups and downs that have made him the tough competitor he has been.
“Of course coming to the Afcon was always a big privilege. I needed to do a job, which I am always proud to do,” Wasswa said after so much praise came his way for his Afcon exertions.
However, Wasswa remains simply a piece in the jigsaw. Reflecting on the tournament, Micho said The Cranes showed that they are not far behind the likes of Ghana, Mali or Egypt. But more exposure is needed for the players to acquire that extra quality.
“We played against players from Atletico Madrid, Udinese, Roma and West Ham. That level gives them something extra, especially in terms of confidence to express themselves.”
Focus now turns on ensuring that The Cranes qualify for the 2019 Afcon in Cameroon. Micho said it is important qualification becomes a habit. He notes that unless Cranes make it to Cameroon, the adventure in Gabon will have been a waste.