Abbas has no players

Oct 04, 2005

CRANES’ disorganised preparations for Saturday’s 2006 World/Nations Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso took another knock yesterday when key midfielder Steven Nsereko dislocated his right shoulder.

By Fred Kaweesi

Group A
Congo v Togo
Senegal v Mali
Group B
Cape Verde v Ghana
South Africa v DR Congo
Uganda v Burkina Faso
Group C
Cameroon v Egypt
Sudan v Ivory Coast
Benin v Libya
Group D
Nigeria v Zimbabwe
Rwanda v Angola
Gabon v Algeria
Group E
Malawi v Kenya
Botswana v Guinea
Tunisia v Morocco

CRANES’ disorganised preparations for Saturday’s 2006 World/Nations Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso took another knock yesterday when key midfielder Steven Nsereko dislocated his right shoulder.

The 21-year-old, who has been in fine form for SC Villa and the national side in recent games, had to be rushed to hospital for a scan. He is a doubt for the game, leaving coach Mohammad Absas short of midfield players.

The loss of the team’s best creative asset is a major blow for Abbas, whose efforts to secure the services of South Africa based pair of David Obua and goal keeper Posnet Omwony, have been frustrated. “I told FUFA to bring in David because I only had Nsereko to rely on going forward. He is now out, what can I do?”

With wingers Phillip Ssozi and David Kalungi out of the team, the Egyptian-born coach is now short of players.

Rwanda-based defender Shaka Okello, striker Martin Muwanga and midfielders Vincent Kayizzi and Ayub Balyejusa were dropped.

“Muwanga and Kayizzi know we have no time and they decide to escape from camp,” Abbas lamented.

The Stallions technical director Jean Makadono arrived yesterday. The team arrives tonight.

Ghana will qualify for the World Cup for the first time from Group 2 if they secure a draw in the Cape Verde Islands. Burkina will secure a place at the Nations Cup if South Africa lose.

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