When: Saturday, 9th/06/2012.
Where: Mandela national stadium, Namboole (Kampala).
Kick Off: 4.00pm, Live on UBC T.V. Hosts in search for maiden victory of the campaign. Uganda Cranes will be in search for maiden victory of the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign when they take on The Lions of Teranga of Senegal
in their second game in Group J. Bobby Williamson’s side managed to salvage a point away to Angola six days ago thanks to Emma Okwi’s 87th strike that cancelled Djalima Campos’ early opener at the Novembro 11 stadium.
The hosts will be confident of thumping the 2002 World Cup quarter finalists given their formidable home record that has seen the team’s last loss at Namboole date back to 2005 against South Africa when a dubious penalty converted by Benni McCarthy condemned Uganda to a 0-1 loss. Since then, the team has managed to win all it’s competitive ties bar the goal less draw with neighbours Kenya last year that ended the nation’s
dreams of playing in Nations Cup since 1978. Senegal is on top of group J on 3 points while Uganda lies second on a point. Both teams have played a game a piece and the winner is destined to go top in case Angola fails to win in Liberia.
Uganda Cranes Team news: Coach Bobby Williamson has a 25 man squad at disposal from which he is set to pick the 18 to tussle it out against the West African giants after dropping seven players yesterday.
The Scot is however in a quandary of whether to stick with the team that salvaged a precious point in Luanda or make changes. With Geoffrey Massa fit again, Steven Bengo summoned to the team and Musa Mudde back into contention, there is no doubt a few changes will be made. Besides, the 50 year old tactician is expected to apply a more offensive system than he played in Angola. This means dropping of either Johnson Bagole or Hassan Wasswa and Tony Mawejje may be given a starting role after coming off the bench against the Palacas Negras. Iceland based custodian Abel Dhaira who also missed the trip to Luanda may also retain his slot as a reserve goalie ahead of Hamza Muwonge.
Probable line up: Denis Onyango (gk), Simeon Masaba, Henry Kalungi,
Andrew Mwesigwa (cpt), Godfrey Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa, Tony Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Mike Sserumaga, Emma Okwi, Geoffrey Massa and Martin Mutumba.
SUBS: Abel Dhaira, Denis Guma, Patrick Ochan, Steven Bengo, Brian Umony, Dan Wagaluka and Johnson Bagole.
Man to Watch: Emma Okwi was the hero as he netted the team’s equalising goal at the Novembro 11 stadium and without doubt be the man to fire The Cranes past Senegal. His movement, positioning, pace, power and ability to shoot on goal from any where will pose a threat to the visitors’ rear guard.
Senegal team news: Joseph Koto’s Lions of Teranga arrived in Uganda yesterday with out one of their most feared attacker Demba Ba. The Newcastle striker also missed the 3-1 win over Liberia a week ago with a knock but club team mate Papis Cisse is on the team as the skipper ready to torment the hosts always assured back line.
Striker Souleyman Camara who was an used substitute against Liberia last week may be given a chance to prove his worth
against the Cranes. Interim Coach Joseph Koto may also hand Dame Ndoye a starting berth after the striker came off the bench to score Senegal’s second goal against Liberia. Wigan midfielder Mohammed Diame is expected to patrol the midfield.
Probable line up: Ousmane Mane (gk), Abdoulaye Ba, Cheikh Mbengue, Papa Gueye, Jean Ludovic Sane, Idrissa Gueye, Mohammed Diame, Dame Ndoye, Mousa Konate, Sadio Mane and Papis Demba Cisse (cpt).
Man to Watch: Papis Demba Cisse is the main man that Senegal’s Lions of Teranga will rely on if they are to get anything from the game. The Newcastle striker had a fantastic debut season in the premiership scoring lots of goals including a sterner against chelsea. Andy Mwesigwa and Henry Kalungi will have to be at their best to contain the Newcastle man.
DID YOU KNOW THIS?
– Uganda and Senegal have met twice in history with Senegal winning once and one draw.
– The last meeting in Kampala ended 1-1 with Thiaw Pape scoring for the visitors before Mathias Kawesa equalised for the hosts. Abubaker Tabula had earlier missed a penalty for the Cranes.
– Uganda has never qualified for World Cup but opponents Senegal appeared at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea and were eliminated at the quarter final stage by Turkey. – Uganda has not lost a home competitive fixture since 2005 when a dubious penalty decision condemned the country to a 0-1 loss to South Africa.
PREDICTION:
Uganda’s formidable home record mean they are a side difficult to beat at Fortress Namboole with giants Nigeria, Ghana, DR Congo, Angola and Liberia among others failing to leave with maximum points. However, The Lions of Teranga is currently one of the best teams in Africa with the ability to manage an away victory. Besides, they have never lost to Uganda. True the odds may be against the host but i expect Bobby Williamson’s side to come out on top.
UGANDA 2-1 SENEGAL. What is your prediction?
