CRanes seek record 12th
Dec 08, 2003
UGANDA will have to rectify its defensive frailties against a lethal Sudanese striking line if their dreams of a record-extending 12th final are to crystallise in their semi-final tonight.
By Ronald Kaggwa
In Khartoum
Semis today
Kenya v Rwanda, 5.30pm
Sudan v Uganda 7.30pm
UGANDA will have to rectify its defensive frailties against a lethal Sudanese striking line if their dreams of a record-extending 12th final are to crystallise in their semi-final tonight.
Uganda’s rearguard, marshalled by upcoming trio of Ausi Kaaya, Andy Mwesigwa and Sam Mubiru has proved the team’s weakest link in the last two matches by wilting under pressure to surrender late goals to Eritrea and Kenya.
Cranes coach, Charles Namakola was particularly dismayed by Cranes’ late capitulation against Kenya, where a 93rd-minute Maurice Sunguti strike secured a draw that sent Kenya to the summit of the group.
And against Sudan’s frontline, which possesses the tournament’s best scoring record with seven, the tactician has impressed upon his backline that any defensive errors tonight could prove fatal to Uganda’s bid for a ninth regional crown.
Namakola, along with assistant Jackson Mayanja, will however retain faith in the youthful trio, who will be supported by the experience of skipper Abubaker Tabula and custodian Ibrahim Mugisha.
Cranes will be a bit lightweight in midfield in the absence of KCC hardman Noah Kasule, who limped off in Cranes last group match in Kassala four days ago.
Kasule’s club-mate, Tony Mawejje and SC Villa winger, Joseph Kabagambe are expected to provide the side with much-needed creative inspiration.
Kabagambe, who scored the 2003 edition’s maiden goal against Eritrea, was optimistic ahead of the encounter, which will be played under floodlights.
“There are no excuses, lots of us have played under floodlights and so, this should not come into the equation,†he said.
Ends
In Khartoum
Semis today
Kenya v Rwanda, 5.30pm
Sudan v Uganda 7.30pm
UGANDA will have to rectify its defensive frailties against a lethal Sudanese striking line if their dreams of a record-extending 12th final are to crystallise in their semi-final tonight.
Uganda’s rearguard, marshalled by upcoming trio of Ausi Kaaya, Andy Mwesigwa and Sam Mubiru has proved the team’s weakest link in the last two matches by wilting under pressure to surrender late goals to Eritrea and Kenya.
Cranes coach, Charles Namakola was particularly dismayed by Cranes’ late capitulation against Kenya, where a 93rd-minute Maurice Sunguti strike secured a draw that sent Kenya to the summit of the group.
And against Sudan’s frontline, which possesses the tournament’s best scoring record with seven, the tactician has impressed upon his backline that any defensive errors tonight could prove fatal to Uganda’s bid for a ninth regional crown.
Namakola, along with assistant Jackson Mayanja, will however retain faith in the youthful trio, who will be supported by the experience of skipper Abubaker Tabula and custodian Ibrahim Mugisha.
Cranes will be a bit lightweight in midfield in the absence of KCC hardman Noah Kasule, who limped off in Cranes last group match in Kassala four days ago.
Kasule’s club-mate, Tony Mawejje and SC Villa winger, Joseph Kabagambe are expected to provide the side with much-needed creative inspiration.
Kabagambe, who scored the 2003 edition’s maiden goal against Eritrea, was optimistic ahead of the encounter, which will be played under floodlights.
“There are no excuses, lots of us have played under floodlights and so, this should not come into the equation,†he said.
Ends