What: Mauritania Vs Uganda (Agg: 0-2) – Afcon 2015 qualifiers 2nd leg.
When: Sunday August 3, 2014
Where: Stade Olympic Stadium, Nouakchott.
A spot in group E of the 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifiers is at stake this Sunday when Mauritania host Uganda at the Stade Olympic Stadium, Nouakchott.
The Cranes carry a 2-0 lead from the first leg thanks to second half goals from Brian Majwega and Geoffrey Massa two weeks ago at Namboole but know that any slight mistake will be punished.
In 2003, The Cranes won 3-0 at home against Mauritius but almost suffered a heartbreak in the return match as they needed a David Obua 112th strike after the hosts had won with a similar score line in 90 minutes
Cranes coach Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic; SC Villa coach then still remembers that Mauritius scenario and vowed history won’t repeat itself.
“We want to be professional. We don’t want the Mauritius scenario again. We have to remain focused and keep our eyes on the ball. We have to keep working hard,” Micho said.
Mauritania coach Patrice Neveu still believes the tie is far from over and hopes being at home with returning players will boost his side’s chances to eliminate The Cranes.
“The game in Mauritania will be much different with our own public and a much decent pitch unlike here. Lots of our players missed this game mainly through suspension and others were not released by their clubs,” Neveu hinted after the first leg.
HEAD TO HEAD STATISTICS:
Mauritania and Uganda will be meeting for the third time in history. The Cranes have won the previous two meetings; 3-0 in an international friendly and 2-0 in a 2015 Africa Nations Cup qualifier match.
MAURITANIA TEAM NEWS:
Mauritania will have skipper Oumar Ndiaye back after missing the first leg in Kampala due to suspension but there are injury worries for Mamadou Wade Mbour and midfielder Guidileye Diallo.
Diallo who features for Brestois also missed the 0-2 defeat in Kampala after he failed to secure release from his club.
Mauritania’s full squad to face Uganda: Ba Adama, N’diaye Oumar, Camara Khassa, Sow Demba Sylla, Traore Karamako Moussa, Ba Abdoul, Sidibe Bilal, Moulaye Ahmed Cheikh El Khalil, N’diaye Oumar Ibrahima, Oudou Ahmed, Diallo Souleymane Brahim, SY Oumar Ibrahima, Niass Mamadou N’Diacko, Baba Aly Ethmane, El Ide El Moctar Hacen, Voullany Ely Cheikh, Baghayoko Moussa Sidi, Samb Ahmed Djiby, Fall Yacoub and Guidileye Diallo.
MAN TO WATCH – Demba Sow
He netted one of the goals as Mauritania eliminated Mauritius in the preliminary round and will be crucial if his side is going to end Uganda’s road to Morocco 2015 finals.
CRANES TEAM NEWS:
The Cranes will miss the services of four of first team members due to injury and club engagements
Striker Geoffrey Massa who has so far netted nine (9) Afcon qualifiers goals has failed to secure release from Pretoria University same as goalie Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Vietnam based Moses Oloya while striker Emmanuel Okwi was left out due to a persistent groin injury.
Good news though is the return of Tusker FC midfielder Aucho Khalid from suspension and Iceland based Tonny Mawejje who missed the first leg game as he was involved in a loan deal move from Haugesund to Valur FC.
Gor Mahia FC striker Daniel Sserunkuma also returns to the team after missing the first leg as he was attending trials in Denmark while URA FC’s Robert Ssentongo is part of the contingent in Mauritania after some long absence.
The duo is expected to leave the void left by Massa and Okwi in attacker.
TALKING TACTICS & PROBABLE LINE UP
St. George goalie Robert Odongkara is the only change expected at the back as he takes over from the absent Onyango but Denis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Andrew Mwesigwa and Isaac Isinde are expected to maintain their slots as a complete a back four.
In the middle of the pack, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito remains the only constant from the previous game with Aucho Khalid and Tonny Mawejje expected to complete the midfield trio.
Mawejje replaces Moses Oloya while Aucho takes over from youngster Farouq Miya who starred in the middle of the pack in the 2-0 victory a fortnight ago.
Upfront, Massa and Okwi’s absence leaves Micho with Ssentongo, Sserunkuma, Brian Umony and Hamis Kiiza as the options
The Serb may opt to go for one centre forward through the middle flanked by attacking midfielders William Luwagga Kizito and Brian Majwega on the right and left flanks respectively if he opts for a 4-3-3 system that camouflages into a 4-5-1 when short of possession.
If Micho opts for such a system, Brian Umony is the most likely candidate to lead the line given his aerial ability since Mauritania has tall centre backs.
However, Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza may be preferred on the right side of attack ahead of Luwagga Kizito due to his work rate given this is an away fixture.
Uganda Probable X1:
Robert Odongkara (GK)
Denis Iguma Andrew Mwesigwa (C) Isaac Isinde Godfrey Walusimbi
Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito Aucho Khalid
Tonny Mawejje
Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza Brian Majwega
Brian Umony
MAN TO WATCH – Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito
The Gor Mahia FC midfielder was instrumental in the 2-0 first leg victory shielding the back four excellently. He covered lots of ground, intercepted Mauritania’s moves and his passing was okay. Away from home, replicating such a performance would be perfect for The Cranes and with Aucho and Mawejje back in the fold, this game will be won in midfield of which Baba will be a crucial.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• Uganda Cranes last won an away fixture in the Afcon qualifiers on 26 March, 2011. The Cranes beat Guinea Bissau 1-0 thanks to David Obua’s lone goal.
• Mauritania have won their previous two home fixtures in the competition; 1-0 Vs Equatorial Guinea and 1-0 Mauritius.
• Uganda Cranes have never been eliminated at this stage in the competition. In the past, they have gone past Rwanda in 1998, Malawi in 2000 and Mauritius in 2003.
• Uganda’s last appearance at the Afcon finals came way back in 1978 while Mauritania are seeking their maiden appearance at the competition’s finals
• Mauritania needs to win by a 3 goal margin to advance while Uganda just needs to avoid a loss of a similar margin.
• Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza is the only player amongst the forwards to have netted a goal in the Afcon qualifiers; a penalty in the 1-2 loss to Madagascar in the previous round.
• The aggregate winner over two legs will advance to group E which already has Ghana, Togo and Guinea.
PREDICTION:
Cranes’ poor away record coupled with the absence of key players makes this fixture a difficult one for the visitors. Nevertheless, Mauritania’s showings at Namboole didn’t reflect a side that can hurt a well organized backline. Besides, they don’t score lots of goals at home and neither do The Cranes concede easily.
A tight one but I settle for a score draw which will see Uganda advance to join group E.
Mauritania 1-1 Uganda
What is your prediction?
