We won’t sit back-Uganda Cranes
Jun 14, 2008
FOOTBALL is awash with dark tales and most prominent among them is one which emphasises that, ‘there are stadiums that have no place for the fainthearted’.
TODAY, 4pm, GTV
Uganda v Angola
Fred Kaweesi
FOOTBALL is awash with dark tales and most prominent among them is one which emphasises that, ‘there are stadiums that have no place for the fainthearted’.
The 40,202 capacity fortress at Namboole will assume such a status when Uganda engages African football heavy weights Angola in a make-or-break World Cup qualifying cracker today.
And with the huge expectations of the entire nation firmly placed on his managerial instincts, even the broad-shouldered Laszlo Csaba should feel the burden of the herculean task, somewhat too heavy to bear.
Cranes’ engagement with the Palancas Negras possesses all the hallmarks of a group decider but most significantly, anything short of victory in this game will leave the nation with more than its expectations shattered.
All indications are that the current situation has Uganda in an even tightening embrace, having suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Benin.
But Ugandans can draw much needed inspiration from the fact that Cranes have not lost a game at their fortress since their defeat against South Africa in 2006. Besides, they have also claimed the scalps of giants such as Ghana, and Nigeria.
Reassuring though this may be, Cranes know this pales into insignificance when compared to Angola’s reputation and track record.
Hosts of the Nations Cup in 2010, Angola have made it to two consecutive Nations Cup and edged out Nigeria’s Super Eagles for a World Cup place in 2006.
Angola’s players exhibited finesse and astute movement in training, on and off the ball, and Cranes ought to fall back often when without possession.
They are bound to territorially dominate the game, meaning Csaba will call upon every bit of muscle from his physically endowed players to strike a counter-balance particularly in midfield and defence.
For Cranes to earn a momentous win, the team will definitely have to play out of their skins. And they can —if only they can stop the visitors scoring. It’s an amazing prediction, but have no doubts whatsoever that Cranes are well capable of that. The key to success will be keeping a clean sheet though even without Manucho Goncalves, goals can still come come from Flavio Amado and Paulo Baptista Ze Kalanga. Csaba must solve the problems in the offensive area that have proved Uganda’s undoing since their second group match against Niger. “Since we have to win, there are tough decisions that will have to be made,†Csaba stated.
He is likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation that Cranes are comfortable with. However, it’s at the apex of the team’s diamond Csaba will have to make a profound decision.
Assan Bajope, who has often occupied that position, has become slower with every passing game. Patrick Ochan could serve well starting in there. Not only is his use of the ball masterful, his movement is timely. David Obua looks set to pivot behind Eugene Ssep-
uuya. Good Luck!
Uganda v Angola
Fred Kaweesi
FOOTBALL is awash with dark tales and most prominent among them is one which emphasises that, ‘there are stadiums that have no place for the fainthearted’.
The 40,202 capacity fortress at Namboole will assume such a status when Uganda engages African football heavy weights Angola in a make-or-break World Cup qualifying cracker today.
And with the huge expectations of the entire nation firmly placed on his managerial instincts, even the broad-shouldered Laszlo Csaba should feel the burden of the herculean task, somewhat too heavy to bear.
Cranes’ engagement with the Palancas Negras possesses all the hallmarks of a group decider but most significantly, anything short of victory in this game will leave the nation with more than its expectations shattered.
All indications are that the current situation has Uganda in an even tightening embrace, having suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Benin.
But Ugandans can draw much needed inspiration from the fact that Cranes have not lost a game at their fortress since their defeat against South Africa in 2006. Besides, they have also claimed the scalps of giants such as Ghana, and Nigeria.
Reassuring though this may be, Cranes know this pales into insignificance when compared to Angola’s reputation and track record.
Hosts of the Nations Cup in 2010, Angola have made it to two consecutive Nations Cup and edged out Nigeria’s Super Eagles for a World Cup place in 2006.
Angola’s players exhibited finesse and astute movement in training, on and off the ball, and Cranes ought to fall back often when without possession.
They are bound to territorially dominate the game, meaning Csaba will call upon every bit of muscle from his physically endowed players to strike a counter-balance particularly in midfield and defence.
For Cranes to earn a momentous win, the team will definitely have to play out of their skins. And they can —if only they can stop the visitors scoring. It’s an amazing prediction, but have no doubts whatsoever that Cranes are well capable of that. The key to success will be keeping a clean sheet though even without Manucho Goncalves, goals can still come come from Flavio Amado and Paulo Baptista Ze Kalanga. Csaba must solve the problems in the offensive area that have proved Uganda’s undoing since their second group match against Niger. “Since we have to win, there are tough decisions that will have to be made,†Csaba stated.
He is likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation that Cranes are comfortable with. However, it’s at the apex of the team’s diamond Csaba will have to make a profound decision.
Assan Bajope, who has often occupied that position, has become slower with every passing game. Patrick Ochan could serve well starting in there. Not only is his use of the ball masterful, his movement is timely. David Obua looks set to pivot behind Eugene Ssep-
uuya. Good Luck!