Can Uganda Cranes defy logic?
Aug 05, 2014
Robert Ssentongo struck the all-important goal as Cranes completed their remarkable progress to the group stages of the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers.
By Fred Kaweesi
2015 Nations Cup qualifiers Mauritania 0 Uganda 1
Group
Uganda, Ghana, Togo, Guinea
Uganda’s fixtures:
•05-06/09/14: Ghana v Uganda
•10/09/14: Uganda v Guinea
•10-11/10/14: Uganda v Togo
•15/10/14: Togo v Uganda
•14-15/11/14: Uganda v Ghana
•19/11/14: Guinea v Uganda
Robert Ssentongo struck the all-important goal as Cranes completed their remarkable progress to the group stages of the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers.
However, the pint-size striker’s effort on 90 minutes did not only earn Cranes entry to the ultimate stages of the competition following their 3-0 aggregate win over Mauritania.
It also reminded head coach Micho Sredojevic of the mental strength and variety of attacking options at his disposal that Cranes will certainly need if Uganda hope to defy the odds and make it to the finals for the first time since 1978 at the expense of Group E favourites Ghana, Togo and Guinea.
Unlike in the past, where qualifiers have run the course of approximately a year, the 2015 qualifiers will be held in just three months (September, October and November).
The group matches will be played on September 5-6 and September 10; October 10-11 and October 15; November 14-15 and November 19.
Group winners and runners-up will go through to the 2015 finals, as will the best third-placed side and the hosts Morocco.
Suffice it to say, that this is where the real tests begin —tests against West African opposition that continues to frustrate Ugandan teams.
Since 2007, when Cranes shocked Nigeria with a 2-1 win at Namboole, Uganda has followed up that historic result with a number of other exciting results at home and yet still failed to qualify for all major championships.
The likes of Niger, Liberia and Senegal have all gone on to frustrate Cranes largely because of Uganda’s poor record away from home.
But can the 2015 Nations Cup qualifiers offer a different script?
“There are certain aspects we need to improve as most West African sides are aggressive,” Micho told New Vision early this year.
It is on record that West Africa is the worst destination for any football side on the continent. Teams have in the past accused their various West Africa hosts of foul play. And whatever judgment is passed on Cranes’ 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau in 2011, the story primarily stemmed on how the team prepared for this particular game.
Contrary to the build-ups in previous qualifying matches, for the first time ever, the team held its training camp in a neutral city Dakar, Senegal.
It meant that the foreign-based players travelled for fewer hours and were fresher both mentally and physically. Interestingly, Cranes journey to Mauritania was quite similar.
The team held a day-long training camp in Bamako, Mali before travelling to Mauritania the following day. And, just like was the case against Bissau, that must have played a significant part in their 1-0 away win.
“I have been long enough in African football and will advise accordingly,” Micho added ahead of the fixtures against Ghana, Togo and Guinea.
Ghana
FIFA ranking:
38 Ghana are clear favourites to win the group. If Cranes have any ambitions of upsetting the order, they will need to out-class Ghana’s star-studded outfit that will rely on Asamoah Gyan, Kwado Asamoah and Andre Ayew for ammunition.
There is also a possibility that the suspended duo of Kevin-Prince Boateng could be pardoned for both Cranes’ fixtures. The Black Stars will come to the group qualifiers with plenty of experience gathered over the years from both the Nations and World Cup tournaments.
In qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, Ghana topped their qualifying group, which included 2012 African Cup of Nations champions Zambia, with five wins out of six games.
They eventually booked their flight to Brazil by dismantling much-fancied Egypt 7-3 on aggregate, including a 6-1 home victory.
Ghana’s adventure in Brazil wasn’t bad either considering their performances against Germany and Portugal.
Togo
FIFA ranking: 88
Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor remains Togo’s main route to qualification in Group E.
When he is in the team, he is indisputably the star of the team alongside attacking partner Serge Gakpe.
Although he is seen as a prima donna in some circles because of his run-ins with various coaches, no one can dispute his qualities.
Adebayor will lead a hugely talented youthful Togolese side that will also include Moustapha Salifou, Dove Wome, Alaixys Romao and Floyd Ayite. Ayite, who turns out for French side Reims, has matured into a fine playmaker for the team.
Guinea
FIFA ranking:
51 Unlike Ghana and Togo, Guinea has never qualified for the World Cup. But they have immeasurable experience gathered from taking part in the Nations Cup from 1970, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1994, 1998, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2012.
AC Milan midfielder Kevin Costant and Nantes striker Ismail Bangoura, Ibrahima Traore (Borussia Monchengladbach) and defender/ captain Kamil Zayatte are the spine of the Guinea team.
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