Sunday November 15, 2015
Uganda Cranes Vs Togo Sparrow Hawks– Namboole stadium @ 4pm (Uganda won 1-0 in the first leg)
Mandela National stadium, Namboole will be the place to be on Sunday afternoon when Uganda Cranes hosts Togo Sparrow Hawks in the return leg of the pre-group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Cranes go into the game in front having attained a rare 1-0 win over the Togolese at Stade de Kegue in Lome on Thursday but Coach Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic is fully aware the tie is far from over.
“It’s only half the job done,” he stated on the team’s arrival at Entebbe International Airport on Friday afternoon.
“Yes we are in front but look, we can’t get carried away. The win in Lome is behind us and all efforts are now turned to the Sunday game.”
Uganda Cranes Team News
There was no time to rest as the team headed straight to camp on arrival. There are no injury worries as the travelling contingent joined the rest of the squad and have had a light training session on Saturday at the match day venue.
Expect changes in the starting lineup and strategy
From the team that earned the precious away victory, expect most to maintain their slots on the team but don’t rule out a few changes.
In one of his tweets, Micho stated that he already knows his starting eleven and if performance on Thursday is to determine who starts, then expect just two changes with Brian Umony replacing Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza and William Luwagga Kizito starting ahead of Moses Oloya.
Otherwise, expect the ever present Denis Onyango in goal with Denis Iguma, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Jjuuko and Joseph Ochaya expected to maintain their slots at the back.
Tonny Mawejje and Aucho Khalid who covered all grass in Lome will anchor the midfield with Luwagga Kizito and Farouk Miya expected to slot in the wide areas as Brian Umony and Geoffrey Massa lead the hunt for goals.
Man to Watch – Geoffrey Massa
He currently leads the goal scoring charts for Cranes in the qualification campaigns (World Cup and AFCON) and amazingly, all his goals have come at Namboole.
Like he always does, expect a much changed Massa from the one seen in Togo and his pace and directness will without doubt trouble the Togolese’ slow backline.
Uganda Cranes Probable XI:
Denis Onyango (GK), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Tonny Mawejje, Aucho Khalid, William Luwagga Kizito, Farouk Miya, Brian Umony and Geoffrey Massa.
Togo Team News:
The Sparrow Hawks jetted in on Friday night with an almost unchanged squad from the one used in the first leg in Lome on Thursday.
On arrival, Coach Tom Saintfiet warned Uganda that it’s not over yet although he admitted it will be a tall order to beat Uganda at home.
“We are down but not out. We made it difficult for ourselves with a home defeat but we can turn the events in Kampala. Uganda has a decent home record but that won’t get into our heads. We won on our last visit here and have never lost here.”
Man to Watch – Atakora Lalawele
The Helsingborg winger was the most outstanding player for Togo in Lome and will be tasked with breaking down a resilient Cranes backline. He is fast and tricky and can play well on either wing thus Iguma and Ochaya must keenly watch his movement.
Togo Probable XI: Djehani N’guissan (GK), Mamah Abdul Gafar, Amevor K. Mawouna, Akakpo Serge (C), Djene Dakonam, Romao Alaixys, Ayité Floyd, Dossevi Mathieu, Gakpé Serge, Atakora Lalawele and Ayité Jonathan.
FACTS:
- The 1-0 win for Cranes on Thursday was the first ever victory for Uganda against Togo in five attempts in qualification campaigns. And it was the first goal for Uganda against Sparrow Hawks.
- Uganda has only lost once in 10 years at home. Ironically, that loss came against Togo last year in a 2015 AFCON qualifier.
- Uganda has never played at the World Cup finals whilst Togo did it once in 2006.
- Incase Togo win by a similar score line at Namboole on Sunday in 90 minutes, extra time will be played to separate the two sides and if possible penalties if the two remain tied after 120 minutes.
- Togo has never lost to the Cranes in Kampala. Their two visits show 2 wins; four goals scored and none conceded.
PREDICTION:
Uganda lead 1-0 from the first leg an implication that Togo will have no option but attack from the word go to level the score.
This will leave spaces in their backline as we saw in the second half at Stade de Kegue on Thursday which will give the hosts chance to attack.
In the end, I see the Cranes completing a double over the Sparrow Hawks with a 2-1 win.
Whats your prediction?
