Uganda Cranes returns to CHAN 2016 action on Saturday evening when they take on the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Umuganda stadium, Rubavu.
The CECAFA reigning champions began the tourney with a stalemate against Mali in which they twice threw away a goal lead and thus must avoid defeat to keep hopes of reaching the final eight of the competition alive.
Saturday January 23, 2016
Uganda Vs Zambia – Umuganda stadium, Rubavu
Time: 6PM [In Rwanda and Zambia], 7PM [In Uganda]
With Farouk Miya and Ismail Watenga ruled out of the game, Cranes tactician Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has called on the rest of the players to show character by getting a decent result against Zambia.
For Zambia, they beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in their opener and head into the game fully aware that maximum points will qualify them for the quarter finals.
Team News:
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Uganda Cranes Coach Mulitin Micho Sredojevic said the team is waiting on Farouk Miya and that the skipper will be subjected to a late fitness test. However, after missing the team’s last training on Friday, it all looks like he won’t make it in time for the game.
First choice custodian Ismail Watenga is ruled of the tournament but good news is the return of midfield gem Ivan Ntege who missed the first game due to suspension.
For Zambia, there are no injuries reported in the camp with the team raring to go.
WHAT COACHES SAY
Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic – Uganda Cranes
I am devastated to lose my two star players but we need to show true character in our next games against Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is time to test the depth of our squad. However Miya and Watenga are with us spiritually as we have also assigned them new roles
George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina – Zambia Chipolopolo
“The first game now belongs to history. It is in the archives. We made mistakes, we also did good things. We shall be going for a win against the Uganda Cranes as the target is qualification to the knock out round. I know Uganda’s style of play and our strength will be key in the battle to seal a last eight place.
Micho’s selection headache
Unlike the first tie, Micho and his technical team will have a selection headache going into this. For starters, a decision on who starts in goal between James Alitho and Mathias Kigonya isn’t an easy one.
The latter came on against Mali and impressed with a match winning save but has never been tested at a bigger stage just as Alitho.
Expect an unchanged back four with Joseph Ochaya, Denis Okot Oola, Bernard Muwanga and Richard Kasagga all starting.
In central midfield, Ivan Ntege returns and is expected to walk straight into the starting eleven but where does this leave Timothy Awany? Will Micho play them together with Keziron Kizito in front of them or bench Awani?
Another question lingers on who and how Miya will be replaced in the team. Will it be Muzamiru Mutyaba straight away or the Ivan Ntege, Awany and Kizito complete the midfield trio?
In attack, Erisa Sekisambu impressed while Robert Ssentongo and Ceaser Okhuti struggled.
Will they be trusted against Zambia or the likes of Frank Kalanda and Geoffrey Sserunkuma gets nod?
Uganda Cranes Probable XI
Mathias Kigonya (GK), Denis Okot Oola, Joseph Ochaya (C), Bernard Muwanga, Richard Kasagga, Ivan Ntege, Timothy Awani, Keziron Kizito, Robert Ssentongo, Ceaser Okhuti and Erisa Sekisambu.