- Wednesday January 25, 2017
- Uganda Vs Mali – Stade Oyem @ 8pm (10pm EAT)
- Follow live updates of the match via our live commentary on our website
Not even a win of any goal margin against Mali can secure Uganda Cranes a slot in the quarter finals of the 2017 AFCON tournament in Gabon but there is all to play for.
First, the 1978 finalists want to leave with at least a point or three as they remain the only nation in the competition with no goal and point.
Pride at stake
Coming into the game, Uganda have registered the least shots 12 and only half of those have been on target.
This is very low compared to Mali’s 23 shots overall and two more than Cranes on target as the two sides remain scoreless in Gabon although the Eagles have a point better than their counterparts.
Micho’s charges must be eager to leave the tournament with this stat changed and the chance comes against Mali.
The financial aspect
The Cranes have no chance to win the $4 million for the tournament winners but have a chance to better the $475,000 (Ugx. 1.66billion) for each participant.
If they beat Mali on Wednesday, they will walk away with $100,000 more for finishing third in the group.
Team News:
There are no injury worries in the Cranes camp despite first choice goalkeeper Denis Onyango sitting out the training session on Monday.
For Mali, Adama Traore who has missed his side’s two matches so far remains a doubt for Alain Giresse’s side who still have an opportunity to reach the final eight with victory as long as Ghana win against Egypt in the other Group D match.
Players to Watch
Farouk Miya didn’t look the part in the 1-0 loss to Egypt but this match provides an opportunity for redemption.
The attacker arrived at the tournament as Uganda’s biggest hope for goals but has so far scored none although he was a bit unfortunate against Ghana when his low shot hit the base of the goal post.
Yves Bissouma has consistently proved his worth for a starting berth on the team and this maybe his chance to start.
A deadly winger with the ability to switch wings and also play behind the leading marksman, Bissouma will be the key required to unlock the compact Cranes backline.
How will Micho line up his charges against Mali?
The gaffer has already promised to field his possible strongest side at Oyem and that means maintaining the side that lost to Egypt.
But there are reports that skipper Geoffrey Massa may start on the bench and Denis Onyango may be rested.
Uganda Cranes Probable XI:
Denis Onyango (GK), Denis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa, Murushid Jjuuko, Geoffrey Baba Kizito, Khalid Aucho, Tonny Mawejje, Farouk Miya, Joseph Ochaya and Geoffrey Massa (C)
