The Black Stars of Ghana take on Uganda Cranes in the opening group “D” clash at Stade de Port-Gentil Tuesday 17th.
While Ghana are regulars at the premium continental competition, Uganda are making a return in 39 years.
The 14th meeting will evoke the bitter sweet memories of the 1978 AFCON edition, which Ghana hosted and won – beating Uganda 2-0 in the final.
It also marked the last time the East Africa’s representatives graced the table of men.
They return demanding respect from the big boys, with all indications they will be no pushovers. Under Serbian gaffer Milutin “Micho” Sredojovic, Uganda, currently ranked 73rd by FIFA, have been steadily bridging the gap between them and the heavyweights of the African game.
In particular, against Ghana, the Cranes have managed to subdue the 4-time champions in their past three outings – beating them once and drawing twice.
With little pressure on their backs after breaking the qualification jinx, Uganda are expected to enjoy their stay in Gabon and try to prolong it as much as possible.
They prepared well in Tunisia and Adhi Abu Dhabi – playing high profile warm-ups against Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Slovakia.
Ghana on the other hand, having come close to lifting the coveted gong on five previous occasions (1968, 1970, 1992, 2010 and 2015) – slipping on the final stretch each time – will be itching to go a step further, and clinch it for the first time since 1982.
To get off to a good start, the Coach Avram Grant’s side will be going for an outright win against the Cranes. Nothing less could complicate their chances of qualification to the quarters, in a group that also have record champions (7 titles) Egypt, and a stubborn Mali.
Players to watch
Baroka FC midfield dynamo Khalid Aucho my miss for Uganda due to suspension (not yet confirmed), but there is enough back-up in Vietnam based Geoffrey Kizito, Hassan Waswa and Denis Iguma.
Despite not enjoying much playing time in Belgium with Standard Liege, Faruk Miya has had a big impact in the team, and is one of the players to watch.
He scored the all-important goal against Comoros, which secured the qualification, as well as recently against Congo Brazzaville in the Russia 2018 campaign.
Skipper Godfrey Massa on a good day will deliver the goods. He too is not a regular with South Africa’s Premier Soccer League newbies Baroka FC, but has always donned the national colors, and is the all-time top scorer in AFCON qualifiers for Uganda.
All eyes will definitely be on Mamelodi Sundowns’ goalkeeper and the reigning African Player of the Year based in Africa Denis Onyango.
The burly shot stopper had a memorable 2016 season – winning the African Champions League with “the Brazilians”, the domestic league and a league cup.
Uganda Probable XI
Denis Onyango, Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Waswa, Tony Mawejje, Azira, Faruk Miya, Luwagga Kizito ,Oloya Moses
The Black Stars will undoubtedly be looking to their inspirational captain Asamoah Gyan to lead them out of Group “D.”
The 32-year-old, formerly of Serie A side Udinese, with whom he stereed to 10 position in the league , but now playing for Dubai outfit Al-Ahli Dubai Aerbin, has 95 caps for Ghana with a return of 48 goals becoming the all time leading scorer fotr the national team.
Player to watch: Andre Ayew
Ayew has the experience, ability and presence to drive Ghana to the knock-out stages of the competition.
Consistency is another key attribute of the 2011 BBC Footballer of the year- always working tirelessly and selflessly for the more creative team-mates yet he also makes and scores goals.
A key player for Ghana since making his debut in 2007, this could be one of his last tournaments as he turns 28 this year. Ayew is a player known to make a difference with both WestHam and Black Stars.
Rising Star: Ebenezer Ofori
He is an entertainning midfielder trusted by coaches in controlling the midfield. Having earned his first national call up the 21 year old is known for his speed upfront will build influence in Grant squad to inspire his team-mates for wins.
Prediction: Ghana 1-1 Uganda
