SUN 3RD/JUNE/2012 – 11 NOVEMBRO STADIUM, LUANDA. KICKOFF: 6:00PM (EAT).
The Palancas Negras of Angola host the Uganda Cranes in an opening game of the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifier at the 11 Novembro stadium in search for their fourth win over the visitors. The two sides last met last year at the same venue and the hosts won 2-0 thanks to second half goals by Manucho and Flavio in a 2012 AFCON qualifier.
ANGOLA TEAM NEWS:
Angola has played four friendly games in preparation for this tie winning and drawing two. The Palancas negras beat a team of foreigners plying their trade in their domestic league 3-2, drew goal less with African Champions Zambia, beat Academica of Portugal 2-0 before crowning their Portugal tour with a 0-0 draw against Macedonia. Djalma, Marco Airosa, Manucho and Mateus will be the key men for the hosts.
UGANDA TEAM NEWS:
Coach Bobby Williamson’s side has only played two soft domestic friendlies against the national under age sides winning 3-1 and 2-0 against the Hippos (U-20) and The Kobs (U-23) respectively. The Cranes travelled to Luanda minus a number of key injured players including Geoffrey Massa and Musa Mudde. Besides, Brian Umony who was expected to lead the line in the absence of the Cyprus based striker was surprisingly omitted from the squad.
Bobby’s biggest puzzle still remains on who to partner skipper Andy Mwesigwa at the heart of defence but the Scot is most likely to go for Richmond’s captain Henry Kalungi ahead of Denis Guma and Hassan Wasswa. Another unresolved issue is also in the midfield with questions on who Mawejje’s partner should be. This battle for a starting role is amongst APR’s Johnson Bagoole, TP Mazembe’s Patrick Ochan and still the versatile Kayseri’s Hassan Wasswa.
However, the once forgotten Bagoole may get a nod ahead of the rest with his energy and style of play providing enough cover for the rear guard. This means Bobby will use Mawejje and Bagoole as two sitting holding midfielders Mike Sserumaga operating at the apex in a midfield triangle format. This implies the Cranes will start with only one typical striker in Emma Okwi relegating Netherlands based Fabia Kizito to the bench.
PROBABLE LINE UP: Denis Onyango (gk), Masaba Simeon, Andy Mwesigwa, Kalungi Henry, Walusimbi Godfrey, Bagoole Johnson, Mawejje Tonny, Mike Sserumaga, Wagaluka Dan, Mutumba Martin and Okwi Emma. SUBS: Hamza Muwonge (GK), Guma Denis, Hassan Wasswa, Moses Oloya, Fabian Kizito, Patrick Ochan and Habib Kavuma.
MAN TO WATCH: Martin Mutumba Kayongo is looked at as the Messiah and heir to David Obua. His style of play will no doubt unlock the hosts defence line creating space for forwards. Besides, he has an eye for goal.
DID YOU KNOW?
– Angola and Uganda have met six times with Angola winning 3, Drawing 1 and Losing 2. Uganda has won 2, Drawn 1 and Lost 3.
– Uganda Cranes has never won a game in Angola with their best result being a goal less draw in 2008.
– The Cranes last scored a goal in Angola in 1996 in a 3-1 loss to the hosts.
– The last time the two sides met at the 11 Novembro Stadium, Angola beat Uganda 2-0 with Manucho and Flavio on the score sheet.
PREDICTION:
It is always difficult to win a game of football away in Africa. This in addition to Uganda’s poor record on the road makes the tie a daunting task for Bobby and his side. However, the jinx was broken last year in Bissau and The Cranes will draw an inspiration from a draw they managed in 2008 but still, i don’t see them repeating the feat. ANGOLA 2-1 UGANDA CRANES. What is your prediction?
