Uganda Cranes have a date with destiny on Saturday when they battle Botswana’s Zebras in a reverse leg match of the AFCON 2017 Qualifiers at Francistown Stadium, Francistown.
The importance of this tie to Cranes and the entire Uganda nation cannot be overstated – anything but a win in the Southern African nation could as well see their return to the Nations Cup since 1978 delayed even longer.
The last two campaigns saw the Coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojovic’s side come so close yet so far from breaking the 38 years jinx as on both occasions they crushed at the last handle – a repeat of which could be even more devastating for a nation working very hard to make a mark on the continental scene.
Uganda sits second in group “D” with seven points same as Burkina Faso who have a better goal difference – Botswana with a mathematical chance of making it to Gabon 2017 are third with a point less.
The scenario presents a tight and interesting group that no one side can afford to blink even for a second.
Cranes placed themselves in this seemingly tight spot. After winning the first two opening matches of the group against Botswana (2-0) and Comoros (1-0), they seemed to have lifted their feet off the gas pedal allowing the Burkinabes to close in.
The 1978 finalists only managed a point in their last two outings against Burkina Faso who beat them away 1-0 (Jonathan Pitroipa penalty) before forcing a barren draw in Kampala, in March 2016. Three points from one of the legs should have put them in pole position to run away with the group and avoid last minute pressure, non the less all is still within their control.
Head to head
Cranes will head into the tie against a back drop of a 2-0 loss to Zimbabwe in an international friendly on Tuesday, however they can draw confidence from their past record against the Zebras who have never beaten them in the last four meetings – two wins and two draws.
Players to watch
Brian Umony who scored one of the goals in the 2-0 first leg win in June 2015 did not make the trip to Bulawayo, the other scorer of the day Godfrey Massa is however part of the squad. Sensational attacking midfielder Faruk Miya who is making a return to the national side for the first time since joining the professional ranks with Standard Liege, Belgium will be among Micho’s top marksman in this duel.
In goal, the towering Dannis Onyango who was on Monday voted the best keeper in the Premier Soccer League in South Africa after guiding Mamelodi Sundowns to a seventh title – will be trusted to replicate the superb form for the national team.
Botswana who revenged against Comoros 2-1 in their last match will be seeking to upset the Cranes and keep their dreams a live.
Skipper Joel Mogorosi is a man to watch in the Zebras side – he is the leading goal scorer in the group with two goals and has scored in all matches staged at Francistown Stadium.
Cranes will also have to deal with Dannis Onyango’s teammate Tsotso Ngele.
In another group “D” match, Burkina Faso will travel to Moroni to face Comoros. On paper Burkina Faso are expected to complete a double over the Islanders and pile more pressure on Uganda ahead of the last qualifiers in September.
@bonfaceosano
