Comoros’ 1-0 win over Botswana in Mitsamiouli in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers on Thursday, did make work for Uganda a bit light as the country tries to qualify for the 2017 finals in Gabon for the first time since 1978.
Before that, all the Cranes needed were seven points from the available 12 to make their own qualification dream a reality.
And went into their game against Burkina Faso on Sunday knowing that picking a draw with get them closer to breaking the 38 year spell, the narrowly lost 1-0.
Botswana defeated Comoros 2-1 in Francistown, on Sunday, a win that took them to six points just like Uganda and Burkina Faso, something that it everyone’s group win.
But as the boys touch base on Ugandan soil this Monday afternoon for the return leg, they have every reason and right to keep their heads high and focused on the ultimate price.
Hamada Nampiandraza from Madagascar will be the man in charge on Tuesday and as he blows the kickoff whistle at Namboole, Micho Sredojević’s troop should play for nothing less than a win.
Burkina Faso used their home advantage, Uganda should do the same on a ground they have only lost once in 12 year and with millions behind them.
Micho has a number of hungry players and with fresh legs and not intimidated of the big stage, he should consider those first.
A win for Uganda will take them to nine points, a win with more than one goal and not conceding will be an added advantage.
Bearing in mind that a visit to Francistown on June 4 won’t guarantee the Geoffrey Massa skippered side automatic results but a draw will be very vital as they wait to host Comoros on September 3.
If they can come with 10 points in their last group game, a win off the islanders will take Uganda to 13 points and on the next flight to Gabon.
But most importantly on Tuesday night in Namboole, the Cranes should draw inspiration from the death of former international and teammate Abel Dhaira who succumbed to Cancer on Sunday afternoon in Iceland.
