I will be ready for Burkina Faso, says Massa

March 26

Nations Cup qualifier

Burkina Faso v Uganda

March 29

Uganda v Burkina Faso

June 4

Botswana v Uganda

September 3

Uganda v Comoros

Geoffrey Massa has finally recovered from the ankle injury that has sidelined him for over a month at Bloemfontein Celtic.

And with the Cranes captain back to full fitness, Uganda's forthcoming Nations Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso, couldn't have come at a better time.

"I am extremely fit and thirsty for action. I can't wait to face Burkina Faso. It has been a long period for me under rehabilitation, but I feel that has also helped me stay fresh for the games ahead, especially the game against Burkina Faso," Massa told New Vision yesterday.

Massa is expected to spearhead Uganda's hunt for glory against the West Africans when the two sides face-off in the two double headers this month that could ultimately decide who makes it to the finals in Gabon.

Uganda leads Group D with six points, three ahead of second-placed Burkina Faso.

Massa, who made a substitute appearance during Celtic's 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates on Saturday, added that; "I hope to have more playing time in the games against Bidvest, Free State and Mamelodi Sundowns before the game against Burkina Faso."

In the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, Cranes lost 2-0 to Burkina Faso away and drew 2-2 with the West Africans at Namboole.

Uganda however beat the West Africans 2-1 during the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) last year in South Africa.

The 2017 qualifiers have thirteen groups, each with four teams. The group winners and two best overall runner-ups will qualify for the tournament.

With six points already in the bank, all that Cranes need to do is secure at least four points from their double-header against Burkina Faso and win any of their last two games against Botswana or Comoros to qualify.