History beckons for the current generation of Uganda Cranes players who carry a dream hours away from becoming a reality after 39 solid years dotted with heart breaks, frustrations and near misses.
Cranes will be angling for a sixth appearance and a first since 1978 in the African Cup of Nations in Gabon next year when they battle minnows Comoros in a tie that has never meant heaven for the land locked East African nation like ever.
The mood is set and it’s all systems go. Tickets have sold out with a capacity crowned of 60,000 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole expected to bear witness as history unfolds.
The whole nation is solidly behind the team in a show of unity that veteran journalist Fred Katende admits he has never seen in the recent past. The two sides of the political divide have both delivered messages of good will lead by the Head of State President Yoweri Mseveni and the Chief Opposition figure Kizza Besigye.
Captain Godfrey Massa is oozing confidence ahead of the match, and he believes it is within their control to crush the jinx;
“After a long wait of 39 years, I believe that we shall write the history on Sunday 4.” The Boroka FC striker told FUFA.
He believes they have an edge in this one as compared to the last two attempts when they had arch rivals Kenya and 2012 champions Zambia to dispatch on the last hurdle to qualify.
“Let us focus on this current game against Comoros where we have a slight advantage compared to the past.”
Head to head
This will be the second meeting between the Coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojovic’s side and the Les Coelecantes; the first was in the initial stanza of the qualifier a year back in Comoros when midfielder Tony Mawejje’s lone strike made the difference. The Coach Amir Abdou’s charges missed a penalty on that day, with keeper Dennis Onyango standing tall to deny them.
Team News
Onyango who picked hamstring scare while on duty for his club Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and missed Tuesday warm-up against Kenya is expected to return to action, with the backup of Salim Jamaa who did duty against the Harambee Stars.
Right back stalwart Dennis Iguma is suspended for the tie and Micho will have to scratch his head for a replacement. The reigning Uganda Premier League player of the year Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa, Isaac Isinde and Murushid Juuko are likely to seal the back line.
In the middle of the pack, new Boroka man Khalid Aucho, Luwagga Kizito and Tonny Mawejje are the men to look out for.
Massa, Farouk Miya and Emannuel Okwi are among options to lead the goal hunt in an all attacking formation.
Comoros
The Islanders cannot be written off despite their low FIFA ranking of 155th , 90 places below Uganda – the team can take pride in an all foreign based squad lead by the skipper and striker Nadjim Abdou who plies his trade with English League one side Millwall.
The Coach made it clear yesterday after their last training at the match venue, that they will respond to any situation Cranes will throw their way. Their main target however is to build a team for the future.
Prediction: Uganda Cranes 2-0 Comoros.
@bonfaceosano
