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Lumala will be key against Zimbabwe - coach Desabre
Ready to deliver. Forward Lumala. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
- In an interview with Daily Monitor after the team’s training session on Monday night, Lumala revealed that he was deployed in a more demanding role in a very difficult game and that took a toll on him in the latter stages of the game.
CAIRO. After an impressive competitive debut against Democratic Republic of Congo at the ongoing Total Africa Cup of Nations, Abdul Lumala features prominently in Uganda Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre’s plans for the game against Zimbabwe today at Cairo International Stadium.
The 21-year-old, who plies his trade in Sweden for Syrianska FC, had a good game on Saturday before being taken off in the second half for what has turned out not be an injury but rather cramps, which makes him available for today’s game.
Desabre said that against a team like Zimbabwe, Lumala will be key in taking the team forward. “He adds some vivacity and it is important that when we have the ball we have the possibility to go very fast in offensive parts,” said Desabre.
Desabre says that on an individual note, the game is going to be a very big test for the young forward.
“It is normal for professional players to play only one good game. To play two or three big games at the same level is very difficult, so we will see if he has that level.”
The aspect that Desabre expects Lumala to improve is what he described as ‘respecting the tactical aspect of the team.’ “He worked so hard and that’s why he got so tired. But I am happy for him because it is not easy as it was his first time.”
In an interview with Daily Monitor after the team’s training session on Monday night, Lumala revealed that he was deployed in a more demanding role in a very difficult game and that took a toll on him in the latter stages of the game.
“It’s not that I have not played that role before. This was a very difficult game played at a fast pace. I expect the Zimbabwe game to be faster but I am ready if called upon by the coach,” said Lumala.
