Click here for the live Uganda vs Congo updates
Venue: Nelson Mandela National stadium, Namboole
Date: Saturday November 12, 2016 Kick Off: 16.00hrs (Local Time)
Coverage: Live Text Commentary on Kawowo Sports website, Facebook and Twitter Pages
Uganda Cranes will be desperate to start their World Cup campaign, at home with victory when they host Congo Brazzaville at Namboole on Saturday.
The hosts earned a vital point away to Ghana on day one and adding maximum points to that will enlighten the side’s chances of featuring at their first ever World Cup finals as they will go top for at least 24 hours as they wait for the results in the Egypt – Ghana game.
What they said:
Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has already warned that the point earned in Kumasi on match day one will count for nothing if his charges fail to beat Congo, who lost 2-1 at home to Egypt.
We went to Ghana and picked an important point but I don’t think it will be as important if we fail to win against Congo.
On the other hand, Congo coach Pierre Lechantre admitted how much importance they attach to this game after losing three points at home against group favourites, Egypt.
We respect Uganda Cranes but this game means a lot to us in this current qualification campaign. We lost 2-1 at home to Egypt in the opening game at Kintele and we cannot afford to lose a second one in succession. This is my team’s turning point in this campaign.
Team News
The Cranes are without first choice goalie Denis Onyango who hasn’t played since his club, Mamelodi Sundowns’ second leg final against Zamalek in Egypt.
Though in camp, Micho says he is part of the team spiritually insisting they can’t risk playing him since no game is bigger than player’s career.
“We are having advice of Sundowns doctor,” Micho revealed to Daily Monitor yesterday, “But whatever the case we shall prioritize Onyango’s health and career since no match is more important than Denis himself.
To feature in the match we need to be fully assured of his health, and furthermore ensure that his career is by no means being endangered. Truth is, he has very slim chances to play that match.
For the Red Devils, they miss the services of danger man Thievy Bifouma who failed to make the squad to Kampala due to a hamstring injury.
The Bastia forward is arguably the team’s most deadly player and his absence gives Coach Pierre Lechantre a real big problem upfront.
Man to Watch
Khalid Aucho (Uganda): The Baroka FC midfielder was no doubt the best Cranes player against Zambia’s Chipolopolo on Tuesday and will be crucial against Congo.
First, he will be required to offer coverage to the back four but his long range passes are vital to open up opponents.
Prince Oniangue (Congo): In the absence of Bifouma, the goal scoring burden will be on the shoulders of Wolver Hampton striker Prince Oniangue.
The centre forward has pace, power and is a real threat to defenders and thus the hosts must watch him keenly.
What you need to know
- Neither Uganda nor Congo Brazzaville have ever played at the FIFA World Cup finals tournament.
- This will be the seventh meeting between the two sides. Each has won thrice with no stalemate.
- The last meeting between the two sides at Namboole was on June 16, 2012 with Uganda winning 4-0 in the 2013 AFCON qualifiers.
- Geoffrey Massa hasn’t scored for Uganda Cranes since November 15, 2015 when Cranes beat Togo 4-0 in a 2018 World Cup qualifier Group play off.
Squads for Namboole
Uganda Cranes
Goalkeepers: Robert Odongkara (St. George, Ethiopia), Salim Jamal Magola (El Merriekh, Sudan), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA) and Ismail Watenga (Vipers).
Defenders: Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Isaac Isinde (St. George, Ethiopia), Murushid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania), Ronald Mukiibi (Östersunds, Sweden), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA), Timothy Awany (KCCA), Nicholas Wadada (Vipers) and Shafik Batambuze (Tusker, Kenya).
Midfielders: Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, USA), Khalid Aucho (Baroka, South Africa), Tonny Mawejje (Thróttur, Iceland), Yasser Mugerwa (), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA), Farouk Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium), William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Ave, Portugal) and Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Vipers)
Forwards: Muhammad Shaban (Onduparaka), Geoffrey Sserunkuma (KCCA) and Geoffrey Massa (Baroka)
Coach: Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic (Serbia)
Congo Brazzaville Squad:
Goalkeepers: Wolfrigon Mongodza (Diables-Noirs), Pavelh Ndzila (Etoile du Congo) and Gildas Mouyabi (Lamancha).
Defenders: Carof Bakoua, Junior Epako, Gloire Yila Dibata (AC Leopards de Dolisie), Imouele Ngampio (JST), Baudry Marvin (Zulte Waregem/ Begique), Arnold Bouka Moutou (Dijon/France) and Sagesse Babele (Diables Noirs).
Midfielders: Prince Oniangue (Wolver Hampton/England), Dua Stanislas Ankira (AC Leopards de Dolisie), Duvald Ngoma (ASP), Kessel Tsiba Moukassa (Diables Noirs), Wilfred Nkaya (JST), Alexandre Obambo (AS Cheminots), Giovanni Elvia Ipamy (Manga Sport/Gabon), Mervail Ndockyt (Tirana/Albania), Jordan Massengo (Union Saint Gilloise/ Belgium), Fabrice Nguessi Ondoma (Wydad Casablanca), Dzon Delarge (Osmanlispor/Turkey), Delvin Ndinga (Locomotive).
Forwards: Ismael Ankobo (ASK), Jacques Medina (La Djiri), Dore Ferebory (SCO Angers/ France), Prince Vinny Ibara (Club Bizertin/ Tunisia) and Sylvere Ganvoula Mboussy (Waterloo/ Belgium).
Coach: Pierre Lechantre (France)
How will Micho’s team line up on the day?
In the absence of Onyango, his long serving deputy Odongkara is the likely candidate to start in goal although he looked shaky in the friendly against Zambia.
But the Serb has other choices in Jamal Salim, Benjamin Ochan and the fast rising Ismail Watenga who coincidentally kept goal against Madagascar, the last time Onyango was absent in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers.
At right back, it remains a question on who Micho will start between Denis Iguma and Nicholas Wadada but Ochaya is arguably assured of a starting berth at left back.
The latter was preferred against Ghana as Iguma was fielded in midfield and against Zambia, each played one half.
No changes at centre back where Isinde and Jjuuko are expected to continue their partnership with Aucho and Mawejje plus Luwagga and Oloya expected to occupy the midfield as Massa leads the line with Miya playing off him in a number 10 role.
Uganda Cranes Probable XI
Robert Odongkara (GK), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Tony Mawejje, Khalid Aucho, Moses Oloya, William Luwagga Kizito, Farouk Miya and Geoffrey Massa (C).
