Uganda may have suffered a 1-0 away defeat in Egypt in round 4 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on 5 September 2017 but the Cranes still have a high chance of making it to Russia.
Their opponents Ghana have been disappointing in the Qualifiers but will have to upset a very physical and resilient Uganda side at the Fortress which is Namboole in Kampala.
Uganda caretaker coach Moses Basena has recalled two instrumental midfielders Tony Mawejje and Geoffrey Kizito to the squad.
Soka25east.com takes a look at some of the key players who could influence the result in this mouthwatering encounter.
UGANDA KEY PLAYERS
1. Denis Onyango
The Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper has established himself as one of, if the not the best goalkeepers on the African continent. Oyango will look to assert his dominance once again.
2. Isaac Isinde
Isinde plays in the Zambian League, under the colors of Buildcon. The right full back brings pace and stability to the Cranes setup.
3. Tony Mawejje
The 26 year old Tirana FC midfielder missed the back to back fixtures against Egypt in round 3 and 4 of the World Cup Qualifiers but with the suspension of Khalid Aucho, Basena saw it wise to call upon the services of Mawejje. 65 caps under his belt with 8 goals, Mawejje could be key in downing the Ghanaians
4. Nicholas Wadada
The 23 year old Vipers SC defender is another option for Basena. Wadada has 24 caps and is going to be instrumental in this encounter if called upon.
5. Joseph Ochaya
Ochaya who features for Lusaka Dynamos in the Zambian League. His experience will be very key for the Cranes.
6. Geoffrey Serunkuma
The 34 year old striker who plays for Zambian side Buildcon comes with vast experience and 13 international goals for Uganda. Serunkuma can also play on either right or left wing of attack.
7. Farouk Miya
Miya has 43 caps for the Cranes with an impressive 17 International goals. At 21 the forward will be key for the Cranes in this fixture.
GHANA KEY PLAYERS
Kwesi Appiah has left out the Ayew brothers in his squad to face the Ugandans.
Appiah has made some good inclusions in the Black Stars side but of course usual suspects like skipper Asamaoh Gyan and Christian Atsu will most likely be called upon to deliver the goods.
1. Richard Ofori
Martizburg United’s goal minder Richard Ofori could be called upon to mind the posts in Kampala.
2. Harrison Afful
The 31 year old Columbus defender has 75 International caps to his name. Afful has the experience and will most likely start for the Black Stars come Saturday.
3. Daniel Amartey
The Leicester City man is also another option for Ghana in defense.
4. Nicholas Opoku
A reliable defender who plays for Tunisian side Club Africain. The 19 year old Opoku earned his called up to the Ghana squad in an International friendly against USA in July
5. Thomas Partey
The Atletico Madrid Midfielder will bring graft and stability to the Ghanaian team.
6. Christian Atsu
Quick and has the ability to leave defenders for dead, the Newcastle United man will be the man to watch in this Ghana side.
7. Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan has carried the Ghana side over the line on many occasions. Now playing for Kayerispor in Turkey, Gyana’s leadership skills will be needed now more than ever in this game.
MATCH DETAILS
The 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Uganda and Ghana will be played at the Mandela International Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Saturday 7 October 2017.
The match is slated for 16:00
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