Uganda Hippos quest for a slot at the 2013 African Youth Championships resume this Saturday afternoon when they host Africa and World Cup Champions Ghana’s Black Satellites in the first leg of the second round qualifier at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium.
To reach this stage, the Hippos eliminated their Mozambique counter parts on a 5-1 aggregate. The Ugandan side beat Mozambique 4-0 at home before securing a 1-1 draw in Mozambique. By virtue of being champions, Ghana’s Black Satelites got a a bye to this stage and are playing their maiden qualifying game for next year’s edition.
Uganda Hippos Team News:
The team has been in impressive form winning all it’s friendly games against local opponents (2-0 Vs Lugave clan) and (8-0 Vs Ex – Internationals). Coach Paul Nkata will miss the services of URA FC midfielder Yayo Lutimba who is out with an injury sustained on club duty while participating in the Kagame Cup in Dar es Salam.
Good news though is the return of striker Erisha Ssekisambu and defender Sam Ssenkomi who joined the team after URA FC got eliminated from Cecafa Kagame Cup. The team has also been boasted by the inclusion of midfield maestro Geoffrey Kizito Baba who plies his trade in the Vietnam V – League. Salim Jamal is expected to maintain his position in goal with Nicholas Wadada, Sam Ssenkomi, Yusuf Bigala and Joseph Ochaya manning the defence.
There is a selection headache for Coach Nkata in midfield but Geoffrey Kizito Baba, Aucho Khalid and Gift Ali are expected to complete the midfield trio if he opts for a 4-3-3 system. In case of alternation to 4-4-2, Julius Ogwang is primed to start on the right wing with Fred Nkata playing on the left. George Opio Abege is expected to lead the hunt for goals playing alongside Erisha Ssekisambu and William Wadri Kadogo.
Probable Line Up:
Jamal Salim (GK), Nicholas Wadada, Sam Ssenkomi, Yusuf Mukisa (CPT), Joseph Ochaya, Aucho Khalid, Geoffrey Kizito Baba, Julius Ogwang, Erisha Ssekisambu, William Wadri Kadogo and George Abege.
Man to Watch:
Geoffrey Kizito Baba is expected to be the man to marshal the midfield. The former Jogoo Young player’s ability to tackle and pass the ball with a high level of accuracy will be vital if the Hippos are to perform well.
Ghana Black Satelites News:
The Ghanaian side finally touched down at Entebbe Airport this morning with a 32 man contingent that includes 18 players. Maxwell Konadu’s side has played friendly games against local sides scoring 10 goals and conceding only 3 in the process. The Satelites beat Proud Utd 3-1, Mpilo FC 4-0 and Eleven Wise 3-0 before leaving for Uganda.
Squad:
Goal Keepers – Muntari Tagoe and Felix Anan Defenders: Salif Seidu, Richmond Nketiah, Jeremiah Akorful, Joseph Attama Larweh, Ahmed Adams, Lawrence Lartey, Daniel Amartey Midfielders: Mumuni Abubaker (CPT), Jackson Owusu, Isaac Sackey, Frank Sarfo Gyamfi, Joseph Baffour Gyewu, Micheal Anaba and Emmanuel Gyamfi. Forwards: Patrick Twumasi and Benjamin Fadi.
Man to Watch:
Hearts of Lions striker Benjamin Fadi has been impressive netting in each of the friendlies and the Hippos rear guard must keenly watch him.
PREDICTIONS:
Its a tight game with both sides in search of an advantage before the return leg but home advantage will see The Hippos register a narrow win. Uganda Hippos 2-1 Ghana Black Satelites What is your prediction?