Cranes coach Bobby Williamson has already made it clear to his men he will waive the axe if they show the same laxity as in the 1-0 Tusker Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup loss to Burundi last week.
The Cranes will hope to recover from one of the most disjointed performances against Burundi when they face the fearless Warriors of Zimbabwe in the third quarter final clash on Tuesday.
In the first quarter finals on Monday, Cranes tormentors Burundi face Sudan, who eliminated Kenya’s Harambee Stars, before the ruthless Amavubi Stars of Rwanda, who won all their three group matches, take on Zanzibar.
After the Cranes clash with Zimbabwe on Tuesday, the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam will surely be in full force as hosts Tanzania, who progressed as together with Zanzibar as best losers, confront Malawi.
Bobby’s men were impressive as they won their two opening matches against Zanzibar and Somalia but were given a reality check by a well organised Burundi on Thursday.
Striker Emma Okwi was the most culpable, deciding on over elaboration rather than the easy task when through to Burundian goalkeeper Vladimir Niyonkuru on two occasions.
The midfield duo of Patrick Ochan and Musa Mudde lacked life while Mike Sserumaga, Dan Wagaluka and Mike Mutyaba were harmless upfront.
The leaking midfield didn’t help the defence already devoid of tenacious defender and skipper Andy Mwesigwa but Bobby will be glad for the FC Ordabasy sweeper returns for the Zimbabwe clash.
“If you abuse this chance, you never know I may never consider you for future national duties,” Bobby told local media in the aftermath of the loss to Burundi.
“My task right now is to assemble a serious team that will face Congo Brazzaville early next year for the 2013 Nations Cup qualifier.”
Bobby is also likely to welcome back first choice goalkeeper Abel Dhaira who missed the Burundi tie with illness.
But the tepidness exhibited last Thursday must be avoided in face of Zimbabwe dangerman Donald Ngoma.
Zimbabwean coach Norman Mapeza will hope his side keep more of the ball when the Warriors face Cranes, a detail they lacked in their last group match against Tanzania.
“We need to work harder at regaining ball possession because our reaction when we lose the ball is not good enough and we need to improve on that,” Mapeza told SuperSport.com.
The Cranes have met Zimbabwe 11 times, winning just one, drawing six and losing four.
Quarterfinals:
Monday:
Burundi v Sudan, 2pm
Rwanda v Zanzibar, 4pm
Tuesday
Uganda v Zimbabwe, 2pm
Malawi v Tanzania, 4pm
