Football
Andrew Oryada, Special to ESPN 5y

Desabre plans Uganda tactical switch for Lesotho

Uganda coach Sebastien Desabre has revealed that he's planning to change the Cranes' approach as he goes in search of his first competitive win as Cranes boss against Lesotho on Saturday.

The Cranes were held at home by Tanzania in last month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, and will be desperate to take maximum points from their double-header against Lesotho during the ongoing international break.

Frenchman Desabre took the helm in late 2017, but is still to win a competitive match as Uganda coach.

Indeed, his only win to date came in a friendly against Sao Tome e Principe, but the 42-year-old has vowed to modify his tactical strategy as he looks to end the winless streak.

"The spirits are really high and we have spoken to the players to understand the importance of the next two games," Desabre told journalists. "We are going to try to change the tactical approach this time because we need to collect three points on Saturday.

"Now it's important to play a good game, score goals and not wait for [Denis] Onyango to stop shots from the other team."

Despite Uganda's goalless stalemate with Tanzania in Kira in September, the Cranes head into their clash with Lesotho atop Group L.

They're currently on four points, level with Cape Verde, who defeated Tanzania 3-0 in Praia on Friday.

Lesotho, who have never before qualified for the AFCON, could yet be the group's dark horses, having drawn both of their opening fixtures.

"Lesotho are not a small team like many people think," Onyango told journalists. "In football there are no small teams, and Lesotho have proved that because they have not lost in their two games yet.

"We need a positive result on Saturday to give ourselves another good opportunity to go and stab them again in Maseru next week," he continued, "but it's the responsibility of all Ugandans to support the team in the struggle for AFCON qualification.

"After drawing with Tanzania last month we believe we won't disappoint this time round."

Lesotho, ranked 145th in the world, have never qualified for the AFCON, while Uganda ended their 39-year wait for an appearance at the tournament when they reached Gabon last year.

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