Uganda Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic is rallying fans to be patient with the team as it transitions.
The Cranes drew goalless for the second successive time on Monday, the stalemate with Mali at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende coming after another one in Kenya last week.
It left Uganda level on two points with Kenya in third place. Mali top on four points, three ahead of bottom side Rwanda.
In both matches the Cranes laboured to impose themselves, but the positive for StarTimes Uganda Premier League is it had more players in there.
Vipers defender Halid Lwaliwa, Express pair of Murushid Jjuuko and Enoch Walusimbi, plus KCCA’s Denis Iguma all play in the local league and played a big part in the two clean sheets against Kenya and Mali.
But fans are still not impressed with the team’s lack of identity, with Cranes resorting to time wasting tactics during substitutions at Kitende on Monday.
This was after Jjuuko was sent off for elbowing a Malian player just after the hour.
“It was one game before red card and a different game with 10 against nine outfield players,” said Micho.
” Of course it was totally unnecessary for Juuko because the ball was already out of play.
“We had already told him to have self control. But we know he will come back stronger.”
Micho added: “We had to close the gaps and at least get a point.
“We expect more of our players who could not come from Europe because of travel restrictions, and also those injured to come back.”
Uganda next face Rwanda next month. “You will see what this team can do in October against Rwanda. It’s a process,” said Micho.
Uganda travel to Rwanda for the October 6 first leg before they welcome the Amavubi Stars to Kampala four days later.
Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba was meanwhile okay with the point.
“Of course the field made it difficult for us to play but both teams worked hard to get something from the game,” said Magassouba.
The match was preceded by a downpour, that made the ball movement difficult for both teams.