Ghana '08: Csaba still confident on chance
Oct 11, 2007
CRANES’ 2008 Nations Cup qualifying destiny will largely be decided on whether or not Uganda can profit from the fringe benefits that come with a new government in Sierra Leone today.
Today
Group 9
Togo v Mali
Sierra Leone v Benin
Tomorrow
Group 2
Egypt v Botswana
Mauritania v Burundi
CRANES’ 2008 Nations Cup qualifying destiny will largely be decided on whether or not Uganda can profit from the fringe benefits that come with a new government in Sierra Leone today.
National head coach Laszlo Csaba is among several that have placed hope on the shoulders of newly elected President Ernest Bai Koroma, whose country, Uganda looks to for ‘priceless aid’ against rivals Benin.
“Which President would want a losing start to his regime? I am sure he will do everything possible to motivate the national team. I do not expect the home team to sit back,†Csaba hinted yesterday.
Cranes will qualify for the first time since 1978 if Benin, one of the best third-placed runners-ups, fails to win in Freetown irrespective of results involving the other group sides Mali and Togo.
Benin, who qualified for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2004, can only grab the last of the second best slots ahead of Uganda with a wider margin victory against Sierra Leone.
Ugandans, who a month ago looked on in disbelief as Zambia obliterated a star-studded South Africa, will be hard-pressed to be convinced of any favours from the West Africans.
“I was shocked by South Africa but I have always believed in God and will do so today. Sierra Leone should enjoy home advantage,†Csaba added.
But Koroma, 54, sworn in as president on September 18, famously said after assuming office: “My government will spare no effort to deal with zero tolerance with corruption and mismanagement.â€
The insurance broker says he wants to run the country like a business concern. “I know how high your expectations are and that you have suffered for too long.â€
Togo and Mali, who share the top spot in the group with nine points, also meet in the decisive game, where either must win to qualify. Any slip by the two will see the Squirrels of Benin toppling them should they manage a win in Freetown.
Twelve teams that have booked their place already, along with hosts Ghana, are Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, Cameroon, Angola, Senegal, Guinea, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa and Morocco.
Group 9
Togo v Mali
Sierra Leone v Benin
Tomorrow
Group 2
Egypt v Botswana
Mauritania v Burundi
CRANES’ 2008 Nations Cup qualifying destiny will largely be decided on whether or not Uganda can profit from the fringe benefits that come with a new government in Sierra Leone today.
National head coach Laszlo Csaba is among several that have placed hope on the shoulders of newly elected President Ernest Bai Koroma, whose country, Uganda looks to for ‘priceless aid’ against rivals Benin.
“Which President would want a losing start to his regime? I am sure he will do everything possible to motivate the national team. I do not expect the home team to sit back,†Csaba hinted yesterday.
Cranes will qualify for the first time since 1978 if Benin, one of the best third-placed runners-ups, fails to win in Freetown irrespective of results involving the other group sides Mali and Togo.
Benin, who qualified for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2004, can only grab the last of the second best slots ahead of Uganda with a wider margin victory against Sierra Leone.
Ugandans, who a month ago looked on in disbelief as Zambia obliterated a star-studded South Africa, will be hard-pressed to be convinced of any favours from the West Africans.
“I was shocked by South Africa but I have always believed in God and will do so today. Sierra Leone should enjoy home advantage,†Csaba added.
But Koroma, 54, sworn in as president on September 18, famously said after assuming office: “My government will spare no effort to deal with zero tolerance with corruption and mismanagement.â€
The insurance broker says he wants to run the country like a business concern. “I know how high your expectations are and that you have suffered for too long.â€
Togo and Mali, who share the top spot in the group with nine points, also meet in the decisive game, where either must win to qualify. Any slip by the two will see the Squirrels of Benin toppling them should they manage a win in Freetown.
Twelve teams that have booked their place already, along with hosts Ghana, are Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, Cameroon, Angola, Senegal, Guinea, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa and Morocco.