CAF U-17 Qualifier: Sat, 27th September 2014
Uganda Vs Zambia (Agg: 0-2); At Nakivubo Stadium (4 PM in UGANDA, 3PM in ZAMBIA)
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Fire works is expected when the Uganda U-17 team hosts their Zambian counterparts on Saturday evening in a CAF U-17 qualifier to be staged at Nakivubo War Memorial stadium.
At stake in this return leg fixture is a slot for the CAF U-17 Africa finals that will be played in Niger, January 2015. Zambia leads 2–0 from the first leg played at the Nkoloma national stadium in Lusaka two weeks ago.
UGANDA TEAM NEWS:
Ever since the team returned from Zambia, where they played a very physical side, they have been training at Namboole and Nakivubo stadia.
The players who got heavy knocks in Zambia (Kato Samuel Neheyimana, Bashir Asiku, Charles Ssebutinde and Muhammed Shaban) all recovered in a record time.
The timely arrival of team skipper, Andrew Isiagi Okiring on Monday night was a big boost to the team. Isiagi, a right back on the team offers the team leadership, pace and defensive cover.
At the start of this week, the team shifted the training sessions from Namboole to Nakivubo, to acclimatize to the match day ground.
They played and won a build up match against Entebbe F.C 3–1 on Tuesday, with the goals coming off the feet of Muhammed Shaban (twice) and Charles Ssebutinde.
Head coach, Matia Lule has stressed calmness in the team’s quest for two or more goals without conceding.
“We shall play with patience as we look for the goals, but again, aware of not conceding” Lule told Kawowo Sports during the last training session at Nakivubo Stadium.
The best news in the camp is the quick recovery of striker Muhammed Shaban, who sat out Thursday training due to a slight knee injury.
PROBABLE LINE UP:
Lule is expected to make a few changes to the team that started in Zambia; pulling winger, Julius Poloto to partner Bashir Asiku in central defense. Team captain, Andrew Okiring replaces Diego Katumba at right back.
Uganda Cubs XI:
Eric Kibowa, Andrew Okiring (Captain), Alex Komakech, Juilus Poloto, Bashir Asiku, Emmanuel Olinga, Hassan Ssenyonjo, Frank Tumwesigye, Muhammed Shaban, Charles Ssebutinde and Pius Obuya.
KEY PLAYER: Hassan Ssenyonjo:
Through out the week, the Qatar based player has been impressive in training. Aggressive, pacy and blessed with array of tricks, Uganda Cubs has a play maker in Ssenyonjo. He is most likely to be employed on the right side of midfield but he occasionally cuts inside with great crossings.
Uganda’s opportunity of building goal bound opportunities will heavily rely on Ssenyonjo, whose chemistry with Frank ‘Zagga’ Tumwesigye is a joy to watch.
Should Ssenyonjo – Zagga click on the day, then strikers Charles Ssebutinde and Muhammed Shaban are assured of a steady supply of balls as the hosts seek to overturn the two goal deficit.
ZAMBIA TEAM NEWS:
Like Uganda, Zambia regrouped immediately after the Nkoloma fixture. The team got no major injury concerns from the physical first leg game.
Zambia arrived in Uganda on Thursday morning aboard Ethiopian Airlines and have been accommodated at Grand Global in Makerere.
The Young Chipolopolo conducted their maiden training session at the Makerere University play grounds on Thursday before having a feel of the match day ground on the eve of the match. With an advantage of two goals one would be tempted to think, Zambia will play to defend.
Head Coach, Chris Kaunda has other plans all together. “We shall attack and attack”, Kaunda told Kawowo Sports.
KEY PLAYER: Patson Daka:
The Nchanga Rangers forward is not only a natural leader, he is the team’s talisman. Through out the session held at Makerere University grounds on Thursday, he was a complete example to the rest of the players on the team. His pace, dribbling skills and eye for goal just compliment his ability to command the rest of the Young Chipolopolo lads.
Young Chipolopolo XI:
Danny Sinkanyika (G.K), Edward Chimfwembe, Salati Lungu, Edwin Chipile, Prosper Chiluya, Kingsley Musabula, Gift Sikaonga, Enock Mwepu, Changwe Kalale, Shadreck Kambwili, Patson Daka.
PREDICTION:
Uganda 2–0 Zambia (Game goes to penalty shoot outs). What is your PREDICTION?