Uganda Vs Zimbabwe – Athlone stadium, Cape Town @ 6pm
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Uganda Cranes will be hoping to reach their first ever quarter finals in the Africa Nations Championship when they take on the Warriors of Zimbabwe in their second game of the tournament this Thursday at Athlone stadium, Cape Town.
The Cranes have already made history by winning a game at the competition which they failed to do at their first appearance in 2011 and scored two goals unlike one a penalty in 2011 and will be aiming at making more improvements.
Mulitin Sredojevic’s charges stunned 2013 African Nations Cup finalists Burkina Faso with a 2-1 victory and on the back of that result come into the game against Zimbabwe as favourites.
Zimbabwe drew goal less against the Atlas Lions of Morocco in their opener thus know that only victory against Uganda will keep their last eight appearance dreams alive.
Team News:
The game may come too soon for first choice right full back Nicholas Wadada who also missed the opener but Kiira Young’s Julius Ntambi who didn’t put a foot wrong against the Stallions will continue to deputise.
Centre back Savio Kabugo has been passed fit by the medical team after being stretchered off the closing stages of the Burkina Faso victory.
Micho is expected to keep a similar side that started against Burkina Faso but may opt for a far more attacking line up that may see attacking midfielders Joseph Mpande or Said Kyeyune drafted into the starting team.
Micho stated that Zimbabwe is a tough side but believes his side has effectively worked on all aspects of the game and have belief to beat the Zimbabweans.
“Zimbabwe is tough. It has one of the most competitive leagues in Africa and is one of the biggest exports to the South African League,” he told local media. “But we have been working on our attack, mental strength and I believe in these players.”
On the other hand, Ian Gorowa, the Zimbabwe coach, thinks his team is now ready to play better football after drawing with the fancied Morocco in the opening game.
“It is good the boys have now cooled their nerves and now know that they cannot afford to suffer defeat in the second game if they hope to progress,” said the former Ajax Cape Town assistant coach.
Industrious midfielder Donald Ngoma and Mamelodi Sundowns target Kudakwashe Mahachi will be the stars to watch against Uganda Cranes.
Victory for Uganda will see them become the first nation to reach the quarter finals of this year’s tournament.
Cranes probable team
Benjamin Ochan (GK), Julius Ntambi, Isaac Muleme, Richard Kasagga, Savio Kabugo, Ivan Ntege, Vincent Kayizzi, Hassan Wasswa, Denis Guma (CPT), Brian Majwega, Yunus Sentamu
Subs
Isma Watenga (GK), Kimera Ali (GK), Ronnie Kisekka, Nicholas Wadada, Martin Mpuga, Said Kyeyune, Allan Kyambade, Yasser Mugerwa, Joseph Mpande, Asiku Crespo, Olaki Francis, Simon Okwi Simon, Francis Olaki
