Ghana clash with Uganda over training ground

(Photo credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

TOTAL AFRICA NATIONS CUP

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Egypt v Uganda (10pm)

Ghana v Mali (7pm)

James Bakama, New Vision sports writer in Port-Gentil

Pressure is mounting as the Nations Cup edges closer to the quarter finals.

This was evident as Ghana and Uganda flared into a bitter exchange over a training ground.

Each of the teams Thursday afternoon claimed rights to using the Port-Gentil Stadium training ground.

Ghana coach Avram Grant stormed the ground as the Cranes were midway their 3.30pm (local time) training session.

 
Insisting that it was the Black Stars' turn to train, Grant demanded for his counterpart Milutin Sredojevic's attention.

But Micho, as the Serbian tactian is popularly known in Uganda, was not about to halt his training.

He even didn't seem to realise that the UEFA Champions League finalist was on the touchline.

It is one of Micho's assistants Moses Basena that noticed Grant and sought to find out what exactly he wanted.

 
But Basena also stood his ground, insisting that they were in their officially allotted time and would therefore have to complete their session.

"We are not leaving. This is our time," stressed Basena. Atleast two teams train daily at the ground.

Ghana conceded and waited for the 5.30pm session.

Ghana beat Uganda in Group D's opening game on Tuesday. Another loss for the Cranes against Egypt on Saturday will see them out of the tournament.

Ghana face Mali the same day in their next group match.