Ghana will be looking to get off to a flying start in Group E of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers when they host Uganda at the Tamale Stadium on Friday afternoon, kick-off at 17h30 CAT.
The Black Stars are looking to secure a fourth successive qualification to the sport’s global showpiece event, but are set to face stiff competition in their pool, especially from an Egypt team determined to end their long absence from the tournament.
But before Avram Grant’s team can worry about the threat of the Pharaohs, they must tackle a Uganda side which comes into the match full of confidence.
The Cranes secured qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations last month, ending a near four-decade absence from the continental competition’s finals.
Under coach Milutin Sredojevic, Uganda (who have never qualified for the World Cup) have gradually grown into East Africa’s powerhouse, rekindling memories of the 1960s and ‘70s when they could go toe-to-toe with the continent’s best.
This match against Ghana is a chance to prove that they have reached those highs again and Cranes defender Denis Iguma has warned the Black Stars of his side’s determination to make an impact in the 2018 qualifiers.
He told FIFA.com: “Our national motto is; ‘For God and My Country’. Football is easy when you believe in yourself. If you do that, you can achieve your objectives.
“There are no small teams in football. The other sides in our group are strong and they have some quality players who play in Europe.
“Most of our side play in Africa, with only a few based in Europe. We give our all for our country though.”
The other Group E match this weekend sees Congo host Egypt in Brazzaville on Sunday, October 9.
