Transfer window distracted Ghana, says Uganda coach

Uganda coach Milutin Sredojevic believes the distraction of the transfer window played a major role in Ghana’s disappointing performance in the opening 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Cranes held the star-studded Black Stars to a disappointing 1-1 draw before a relatively hostile home crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium on Saturday.

The Ghana team had been deserted by their fans following their poor performance at the 2014 World Cup.

The Black Stars were made to labour to avoid defeat in their first game after the World Cup and had to count on a doubtful penalty to share the spoils with the visiting Uganda team.

Uganda had taken a surprise lead a minute to halftime through mifielder Tonny Mawejje.

Ghana however responded six minutes into the restart through a well taken penalty by Andre Ayew after Majeed Waris had been felled in the box.

The equalizer however failed to spur the Black Stars on as they settled to a draw with Uganda.

Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic thinks aside the impressive performance of his team, the Black Stars players lacked total focus due to the involvement of their key players in the European player transfer saga.

Andre Ayew arrived late to the Ghana camp as he was heavily involved in the transfer deadline day jostle to secure a move which never happened.

Midfielder Mubarak Wakaso also had to move from Spartak Moscow to Scottish giants Celtic and the Uganda coach believes these moves amongst others affected the Black Stars in the draw on Saturday.

“I need to tell you that there are so many reasons that today Ghana were below par,” Sredeojevic said after the game.

“But one of the reasons is, please give us credit because we worked really hard.

“And I believe one of the biggest reasons why Ghana was not up to standard that you expected and wanted is because our boys played very well and we have studied every detail of your team.

“One the other side you know they just concluded the transfer window and I know each and every one of your player and all the stories of where they were going and whatever.

“So it is possible that their mind was not fully committed to this game and on the other side our boys have been fully present.

“And we did our best and absolutely deserved the result today.”

Ghana will now have to quickly pick up the pieces from the disappointing draw to mount a stronger challenge four days later when they travel to face Togo.