***UPDATE Click here to read the match report ***
Uganda Vs Guinea, Wednesday September 10, 2014
Mandela National stadium, Namboole Kick Off: (7.30PM in UGANDA, 4.30 PM in GUINEA)
Get all live text updates on our Facebook page and twitter handle
Uganda Cranes will aim at getting their first win of the 2015 Orange Africa Nations Cup qualifiers when they host Guinea at Mandela National stadium, Namboole this Wednesday evening.
The Cranes come into the game on the back of an impressive 1-1 away draw against Ghana while Guinea, 2-1 winners over Togo in their opener will look to keep momentum.
“We are physically, mentally and tactically ready for the game and our target is to pick victory,” Micho told Kawowo Sports after Cranes training at Namboole stadium on Monday.
“We know it’s a tough game but we’ve what it takes to get maximum points. With the backing of the 12th man in the stands, am confident of victory,” he added.
His counterpart Michel Dussuyer sounded cautious but has already set a target for his team. “We are here for a point or more,” Dussuyer told Kawowo Sports before he added; “We are well aware of Uganda’s gallant home record but we’re ready to battle them. ”
Head to Head Statistics
The two nations have previously met four times. Guinea has two wins, Uganda one and one draw.
In those meetings, Uganda has scored eight goals and conceded ten goals.
05/3/76 Afcon Guinea 2-1 Uganda
08/4/00 FIFA World Cup Qlfrs Uganda 4-4 Guinea
23/4/00 FIFA World Cup Qlfrs Guinea 3-0 Uganda
02/9/00 Afcon Qlfrs Uganda 3-1 Guinea
Uganda Cranes Team News
Pretoria University striker Geoffrey Massa and KCC FC winger Brian Majwega are available for selection after missing the game against Ghana.
Massa was released late by his PSL side whilst Majwega had a hamstring injury suffered on club duty in the CECAFA Kagame Cup.
The duo’s return may see Micho ring changes in the team that drew 1-1 with Ghana with one of the two most likely to replace Moses Oloya on the right side of midfield.
Denis Onyango is expected to maintain his slot in goal with Isaac Isinde expected to take over from Savio Kabugo as the only change at the back.
Micho’s biggest decision remains in central midfield. Whether he sticks with the trio of Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito and Aucho Khalid or drops one of them for a more attack minded midfielder remains a big question.
In case Micho opts for a 4-3-3, the trio will be kept with Mawejje playing on top of the triangle in an advanced role.
Man to Watch: Geoffrey Massa
One Uganda Cranes player that is capable of destabilizing the Guinea back-line is Geoffrey Massa. The AmaTuks striker has netted three times in as many previous home AFCON qualifiers and will be the team’s main outlet for goals if The Cranes is to leave Namboole with maximum points.
Uganda Cranes Probable XI:
Denis Onyango (GK), Denis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Andrew Mwesigwa (C), Isaac Isinde, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Aucho Khalid, Tonny Mawejje, William Luwagga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa and Brian Umony.
GUINEA TEAM NEWS:
Guinea will miss the services of suspended striker Idrissa Sylla who was sent off in the 2-1 victory over Togo a few minutes after netting the winning goal.
The team arrived in the wee hours of Monday and appeared in jovial mood as they conducted their training at Phillip Omondi stadium.
Besides being discontented with accommodation availed to them at J-Flight Hotel which they termed as sub standard, they have no worries.
Man to Watch: Ismael Bangoura
The Nantes FC forward will be the man tasked with the job of hunting for goals against a gallant Cranes defence.
There is no question that Cranes’ success has been built from the back but in Bangoura, Guinea poses a threat going forward.
Guinea Squad:
Yattara Naby Moussa (GK) and Bangoura Ibrahima Sory (GK)
Dabo Amara, Keita Abdoul Aziz, Camara Fode, Cisse Abdoulaye, Diarra Mohammed Lamine, Sankoh Baissama Mohammed, Zayatte Kamil, Conte Ibrahima Sory, Fafana Boubacar, Keita Naby, Laudel Guy Lucien Michel, Bangoura Al Hassane, Camara Aboubacar Demba, Soumah Seydouba, Traore Ibrahima and Bangoura Ismael
WHAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW
Uganda Cranes hasn’t lost a home game in ten years. Cranes’ last home loss came in 2004 against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Uganda’s last meeting with Guinea in Kampala ended in a 3-1 victory for Uganda at Nakivubo. The game was a 2002 AFCON qualifier. Hassan Mubiru netted a brace with Andrew Mukasa netting the other. Pascal Feindouno netted Guinea’s consolation.
Geoffrey Massa has scored more AFCON/World Cup qualification goals (9) than any other member on the current squad. Only David Obua (11) has scored more than the Pretoria University striker.
Uganda’s last participation in the AFCON finals came in 1978 while Guinea last qualified in 2012.
Both nations’ highest achievement in AFCON is silver medals. Uganda finished runners up in 1978 while Guinea were losing finalists in 1976.
Uganda is ranked 81st by FIFA in the world while Guinea is 63rd.
PREDICTION:
Both teams come into the game full of confidence due to their impressive performances over the weekend.
Uganda will be under more pressure to bag their first maximum points of the campaign while Guinea will be content with a point. This implies The Cranes will opt for attacking game against a cautious approach.
Uganda’s home record will go a long way in determining this game but going with performances of away sides in the opening round of the campaign, anything can happen.
Nevertheless, I still fancy The Cranes to edge this one.
Uganda 2-1 Guinea
What is your prediction?
