- Wednesday March 24, 2021
- St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende 4pm
Following a shock defeat to South Sudan last year, Uganda Cranes have a chance for redemption with a home date against Burkina Faso on Wednesday.
The Cranes host the Stallions at St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende with the winner probably sealing a spot in the finals due in Cameroon.
Local coaches Abdallah Mubiru, Livingstone Mbabazi and Fred Kajoba are in charge of the game following Fufa’s suspension of head coach Johnathan McKinstry.
Mubiru highlights the importance of the game to all Ugandans and says it would be selfish if it’s centred on the technical staff.
“It would be selfish if this game is entirely about me and the coaching staff,” Mubiru told the media. “We are here. God has chosen us to do what other people would have done. We are here to represent our country,” he added.
“It’s a very important game that probably if we get maximum points, we can seal our qualification to the Afcon for the third time (successive). It’s a dream of every Ugandan and at the same time, when we win it gives us pride. It’s very important to us as a team, the country.”
Team News
Striker Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru and defender Bevis Mugabi pulled out and are not part of the squad.
Captain Denis Onyango, right back Elvis Bwomono and Farouk Miya were part of the training on Tuesday morning but Israel trio of William Luwagga Kizito, Timothy Awany and Fahad Bayo arrived later in the afternoon.
It remains to be seen whether the coaching staff would consider them for the game or prefer to have them against Malawi.
Lumala Abdul and Ronald Mukiibi also fully trained with the rest of the lads after having light sessions on Monday.
The visitors are without Steeve Yago and Cyrille Bayala who are restricted from travelling by French Ligue 1 authorities but have Charles Kabore, Lassina Traore and Bertrand Traore available for selection.
Players to watch
Uganda plays as a team but there will always be players to make the difference. Against the Stallions, all eyes will be Farouk Miya, Emmanuel Okwi and Patrick Kaddu to get the desired goals.
For Burkina Faso, the Traores – Bertrand from Aston Villa and Lassina from Ajax as well as centurion Charles Kabore will be the players to watch.
Another key for player for the visitors to keenly watch out is Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba
Key Stats
- This will be the eighth meeting between the nations – Uganda won 1, Burkina Faso 2 and 4 draws in last seven meetings.
- The last two meetings have ended in goalless draws – including the first leg in this qualifying campaign in Ouagadougou.
Uganda Cranes Probable XI
Denis Onyango (GK) ©, Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Halid Lwaliwa, Taddeo Lwanga, Mike Azira, Moses Waiswa, Farouk Miya, Emmanuel Okwi and Patrick Kaddu
