The Uganda Cranes might not be playing for the COSAFA Cup after they were eliminated by Lesotho 3-2 on penalties but they have yet another opportunity for redemption when they play South Africa in a plate semifinal on Tuesday.

Uganda who played to a goalless before falling to Lesotho take on a South African side that led 2-0 against Botswana before the latter drew the game 2-2, Bafana Bafana eventually lost 5-4 on penalties.

“South Africa is a good team and they are well prepared but they are not that scary with the way they use the ball,” Cranes coach Abdallah Mubiru said after the team’s training session on Monday.

“We shall therefore handle them by not allowing them plenty of space. We are also looking forward to being sharper especially when we reach the final third of the pitch.”

“Because in the Lesotho game we had good build ups but our conversion rate was poor,” Mubiru added before revealing the game strategy and approach is not going to change.

“Tomorrow’s game is a must win for us, but much as when want a good result, we are going to try and play a good game focusing on both the win and the preparations for the future.”

Although it’s for formality, a plate semifinal most especially against South Africa is a major boost for Uganda Cranes players to gain more experience ahead of the 2020 CHAN qualifiers that will start in August 2019.

Plate Semifinals
June 4 – Uganda v South Africa
June 4 – Comoros v Malawi

Semi Final fixtures
June 5 – Lesotho v Botswana
June 5 – Zimbabwe v Zambia

Uganda Cranes players in South Africa: Lukwago Charles (GK), Alitho James (GK), Willa Paul, Kizza Mustapha, Isinde Isaac, Revita John, Mutyaba Muzamiru, Kasozi Nicholas, Birungi Michael, Kagimu Shafik, Balinya Juma, Isiagi Daniel, Mbowa Paul, Dan Serunkuma, Paul Mucureezi, Bright Anukani, Nelson Senkatuka, Kayiwa Allan, Musana Hassan, Mujjuzi Mustapha.