'Stage fright caused our defeat' - Uganda coach

Head coach of the Uganda National team, Milutin Sredojevic, has attributed his side's lone goal loss to Ghana in the opening match of Group D, on Tuesday, at the Port-Gentil Stadium to stage fright.

The coach also known as “Micho” said at a press conference that, his side fell under the huge stage, as it was their first game in the competition after 39 years of absence.

The Ugandans lost by a lone goal courtesy a penalty converted by Andre Ayew after Asamoah Gyan was tripped in the vital area by Isaac Inside.

“Unfortunately, such competition does not accept such silly mistakes. It is a big stage and you must have the mental toughness to play.

“There was clearly an element of naivety on our side and the experienced Asamoah Gyan took advantage of it to get a penalty for his side,” Micho told the press on Tuesday evening.

He added that when you are playing on a big stage especially a team like Ghana with a lot of experienced played you must play well and be more composed.

“These are players who play on the television for us to see each week they are good at what they do.

“The way and manner they were able to soak the pressure we mounted on them in the second half was a demonstration of their immense experience,” He stated.

The coach was, however, full of praise for his players for the performance exhibited in the second half. They demonstrated that they have what it takes to progress in future.

Coach Micho said they will need to work harder in subsequent matches to make their dreams come true in the competition.