Jordan Obita said Uganda’s 2 to 1 victory over Chad was welcome but far below the standard required for the Africa Cup of Nations after the Cranes survived two second half penalties to secure the result in Morocco.
The stand in captain said the team showed fight, but the overall level must rise before facing stronger opponents in December.
Uganda started well and took control early, with Uche Mubiru winning and scoring a penalty after being taken down in the box in the 20th minute.
The team pressed with confidence and doubled the lead only seconds after the restart when Melvyn Lorenzen reacted quickest to a defensive mix up and buried a simple finish for 2 to 0.
Chad, however, forced Uganda into uncomfortable spells after the hour mark. Haroun Tchaouna pulled a goal back from the spot after Derrick Kiggundu fouled an attacker.
Minutes later, the debutant goalkeeper faced another penalty and produced a strong save that denied a possible equaliser and kept Uganda in front. Chad pushed late on, but Uganda held on through a scrappy closing period.
Obita said the team gave the ball away too easily throughout the match and moved the ball too slowly in midfield, which allowed Chad to gain confidence.
He said the windy conditions made passing tricky, but he insisted the group must handle similar challenges better, especially with AFCON opponents who press and punish mistakes at a higher level.
He described wearing the armband as a privilege and said leading the team to victory was a proud moment, but he stressed that Uganda must step up its sharpness as the AFCON group includes Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania.
He added that the Morocco match on Tuesday will provide a clearer picture of what still needs improvement.
