Comoros head coach Amiredine Abdou has labeled their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final group D match against Uganda cranes as a ‘must win’.
The ‘Coelacanthes’ as they are also known boast of only three points from a 1-0 home win against Botswana in March and are totally out of the qualification mathematics but Ameridine knows what a positive result from Kampala can do to their rankings.
“This match is very important for the Federation and for the rest of the team,” Ameridine was quoted by Comoros local daily Al Watwan.
“Our focus is solely on this match irrespective of the previous results and table standings. We will play for our dignity.”
“We are currently ranked 155th by FIFA, a position which must improve with good results on our way. This match also serves as part of our 2019 AFCON preparations because if we can do well during the game and in friendlies, then it will be easy to avoid the third qualifying round.”
Comoros’ team was set to arrive in two batches, with the first already in the country and the other group expected to jet in on Friday by 1:30 pm ahead of the Sunday September 4 clash at Namboole.
“In any case, the players are fully motivated and charged for this match and we hope to take full advantage. After there, we’ll organize friendly matches to prepare for the future,” he added.
Cranes defeated Comoros by a solitary goal in Moroni last year courtesy of Tonny Mawejje’s strike but went two matches without a win in a double header against Burkina Faso before completing a double over Botswana.
“The Ugandan team is daunting but after watching eight of their last matches, I noticed they were up tactically. They have a lot more maturity in the squad. Milutin Sredojevic has done quite a good job on this team.”