With just four days to the kickoff of the 2017 African cup of Nations and six days to Uganda cranes first game at the tournament, finals touches are being done to make sure no stone is left unturned in remaining days.
Uganda cranes have been in intensive preparations for the last two weeks including playing several build up games to make sure the players are in the right shape for the tournament.
After impressive performances against Slovenia and Slovakia where Uganda won 1-0 and 3-1 respectively, left back Joseph Ochaya believes the results have shaped the players mentally.
“When we defeated Slovakia, we were happy to get a positive result against such a team,” he said.
“This gives us the mentality that we can take on any team that comes our way,”
Uganda takes on African Cup of Nations defending champions, Ivory Coast on Wednesday in an international friendly game in Abu Dhabi, the final preparation game before going to Gabon.
Ochaya thinks if they carry-on with the mentality they have had in the previous games, the cranes can match Ivory Coast.
“We are prepared and every player is focused. I believe we can have a good game against Ivory Coast if we keep the strong mentality we are currently having,” Ochaya stressed.
Midfield maestro Tonny Mawejje believes the game against Ivory Coast is a good test and will give the team a true reflection of what to expect at the African cup of Nations tournament.
“I believe it is a good test for us, they (Ivory Coast) are a big team and will play at Nations cup so this gives us a feel of what will exactly happen in Gabon,” Mawejje indicated.
Uganda Cranes who are in group D will start the campaign with a game against Ghana on 17th January.