It’s not a game for the fainthearted. One that will go a long way in deciding who features at the AFCON 2015 finals in Equatorial Guinea.
Maximum points for Ghana will see them through with a game in hand while victory for Uganda will keep the dream for a final appearance for the first time since 1978 alive.
It’s a game none wants to lose with Uganda expected to go all out in attack while Ghana may approach the game cautiously.
Such games are usually won by moments of brilliance from a player or two and expect nothing different at Namboole.
Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga highlights key personal battles that will most likely determine the day’s result.
Geoffrey Massa Vs Jonathan Mensah
After failing to net in back to back losses against Togo, Massa will be keen to get on the score sheet against The Black Stars.
The AmaTuks striker comes into the game in good form having scored three goals in his two previous games (club & country).
Massa has pace, energy and his composure and calmness in front of goal has of late improved but comes up against a good game reader in Mensah.
The Ghanaian backline is yet to keep a clean sheet in the campaign but Mensah has been their best performer in defence.
Mensah is equally big in size and will offer as much a physical battle as he will get from Massa.
Brian Majwega Vs Christian Atsu
Walusimbi’s absence gives Majwega an opportunity to test himself against one of the trickiest wide players on the content at the moment.
The KCC FC attacking winger told his club’s website that he is not fazed by who he comes up against but in Atsu, he has a formidable opponent that will provide a sternest test.
Atsu is a player with pace, trickery and good ball holding skills who loves to cut inside in search for his strong left foot despite being deployed on the right.
Tonny Mawejje Vs Emmanuel Agyemang Badu
Mawejje came out on top in the first leg keeping the Black Stars at bay with his energetic and late runs towards the 18 yard area which culminated in him opening the scores but expect a much tougher test this time round.
Mawejje is Uganda’s most consistent midfielder with a lion’s heart and enjoys it against the already established maestros.
With Kwadwo Asamoah absent, Badu will be tasked to take control of the pack but must expect a battle with Mawejje ball for ball.
Isaac Isinde Vs Andre Dede Ayew
Isinde has always silenced big names in the game but only when played at central defence. Come Saturday, he starts at right back and comes up against a deadly opponent in Andre Dede Ayew.
The Ethiopia based defender failed to impose himself in the friendly against Ethiopia and it will be interesting to see how fares against the technically gifted Ayew who has a point to prove since he will don the captain’s armband.
Andrew Mwesigwa Vs Majeed Waris
Most Ugandans must be smiling at Gyan’s absence but not Mwesigwa. Why? He comes up against Majeed Waris who he knows less about. Mwesigwa’s game has improved with age but in Waris, he faces a pacey and strong striker who will keep him on tenterhooks for as long he is on the pitch.
Mwesigwa is a warrior, a good commander with strong aerial ability but Waris is good on the ground and positions himself well off and on the ball.
Besides, he will need to prove a point by getting on the score sheet against Uganda.