Uganda Cranes’ captain, Andrew Mwesigwa understands that the recent draw for 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers was fair for the Cranes. Mwesigwa who plies his trade with FC Ordabasy told Kawowo Sports that “the draw was fair for Uganda though we shouldn’t under estimate Madagascar”.
Uganda Cranes drew Indian Ocean island nation of Madagascar in draw conducted at Cairo in Egypt over the weekend. “We (players), management and the fans are responsible for the team to qualify. We should all play our role this time because this our time to qualify”. Mwesigwa who began his career in 2002 with SC Villa before moving to Icelandic club ÍBV in 2006 added.
The 29 year old who scored a double in Ordabasy’s 2-1 win against Spartak Semeye FC on Sunday will skipper the Cranes in the first leg encounter scheduled between May 16th – 18th before Uganda host second leg set between May 30th – 1st June.
In case Uganda overcome Madagascar; it will qualify to the next round, they will be drawn for the 3rd preliminary round where 14 teams divided into two (7 Vs 7) play each other on a home and away knock out basis which games will be played between July 18th – 20th (First leg) and August 1st – 3rd (second leg). Here Uganda will play the winner between Mauritania and Equatorial Guinea. The seven winners of the ties will then join the 21 teams seeded in the seven groups with group matches set to be played on Fridays/Saturdays and Wednesdays.
The Winner between Mauritania/ Equatorial Guinea and Uganda/Madagascar will join group E alongside Ghana, Togo and Guinea. The first and second from the seven groups will automatically qualify for the finals in Morocco joined by the third best in all groups and hosts Morocco to make the 16 teams.
Other draws: Libya Vs Rwanda, Burundi Vs Bostwana, Malawi vs Chad Sao Tome Principe vs Benin, Tanzania vs Zimbabwe, Gambia vs Seychelles, CAR vs Guinea Bissau.