2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Friday October 7, 2016
Ghana Vs Uganda – Tamale Sports Stadium, Tamale
With the Ghana FA revealing Tamale Sports Stadium as the host venue for the clash between Ghana Black Stars and Uganda Cranes, Ugandan international Joseph Ochaya has warned his teammates of hostile weather and reception.
The left back who has Ghana experience having played for Asante Kotoko between 2012 and 2014 said.
“It’s very hot in Tamale,” Ochaya told Kawowo Sports. “And bad enough, they always love to play in the afternoon which makes life difficult for whoever isn’t used to the conditions,” he added.
Ochaya also adds that the reception from the locals is hostile as compared to playing in either Accra or Kumasi revealing that most stars on the team come from the region.
Unlike Kumasi or Accra, the fans in Tamale are very patriotic. They support their team from start to finish even when they are not playing well. Elsewhere, the fans turn against their team.
Players like Mubarak (Wakaso), Ayew brothers, Michael Essien and many come from the region and thus fans support their own.
Nevertheless, the KCCA star and Uganda Premier League MVP believes the team has chance to pick a point/s away from home.
If we can shut them out for the first quarter of the game, then we have a chance. They will take us more seriously this time round which can also be dangerous to our chances.
Kumasi, Accra good hunting grounds for Cranes
The last time Ghana played at Tamale, they beat Guinea 3-1 in a 2015 AFCON qualifier but in the same campaign, Uganda drew 1-1 with the Black Stars at Baba Yara stadium, Kumasi.
In the 2004 AFCON qualifiers, The Cranes also picked a draw at the same venue as Charles Amoah 84th minute equaliser cancelled out Assan Bajope 16th minute goal.
But in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, Uganda lost 2-0 at Kumasi with quick fire goals from Michael Essien and Charles Amoah.
In the 1978 Africa Nations Cup finals, Uganda was also beaten 2-0 in Accra Sports stadium, Accra.
