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The striker also revealed that it has been a tough past couple of days for the squad, that started with a ‘tough to take’ 1-0 qualifier defeat to the Taifa Stars in Egypt.
Uganda Cranes captain Emmanuel Okwi admitted today morning that the team was absolutely gutted by their performance against rivals and neighbours Tanzania last Friday.
The striker also revealed that it has been a tough past couple of days for the squad, that started with a ‘tough to take’ 1-0 qualifier defeat to the Taifa Stars in Egypt.
The defeat left Uganda’s chances of qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Okwi urging his teammates to use the disappointment to become stronger.
Speaking ahead of the team’s second meeting at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania, on Tuesday, Okwi said the team will try and rectify the situation.
That defeat (against Tanzania) in Egypt hurt us all,” Okwi told journalists, adding; “The last few days have not been easy for us, especially thinking about the feelings of all Ugandans.”
“But we have tried to put all that behind us, we know where we came short in the game, but we must focus on improving and being ready for the game tomorrow.”
“It is an opportunity to try and rectify a difficult situation for the whole country. The players are willing to put everything behind us and focus on fighting for victory tomorrow.”
The Cranes have been underwhelming in their attempt to return to AFCON after missing out on the 2021 tournament in Cameroon, collecting only one point from three games.
Against Tanzania for instance, Uganda lacked a cutting edge, and their will need to show significant improvement if they are to brighten their chances.
The Cranes record goal scorer. Okwi, has personal demons to conquer as he is still searching for his first goal in a qualifier since scoring against Malawi in November 2019.
He has returned two goals in national colours since then, scoring in friendlies Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in March 2022.
Okwi, despite not was involved in Uganda’s best chance on the evening setting up Joseph Ochaya, who failed to beat goalkeeper Aishi Manula.
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