Cranes eager to fly in Brazzavile
Feb 28, 2012
Uganda Cranes stepped foot in Congo Brazzaville yesterday determined to upset the hosts in tomorrow’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
By Swalley Kenyi in Congo Brazaville
Uganda Cranes stepped foot in Congo Brazzaville yesterday determined to upset the hosts in tomorrow’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The hype here is understandable. Congo must beat the Cranes to preserve any qualifying hopes while a draw or better still victory will hand Uganda a precious advantage ahead of the return leg in Kampala in June.
Contrary to previous troubles endured during international engagements in West Africa, the Cranes were this time accorded a decent reception, good accommodation at Hilary Hotel and a convenient training base.
It took Cranes 17 hours to arrive in Pointe Noire, 502km from the main capital Brazzavile.
The team defied fatigue and trained later in the afternoon under conducive weather that is not any different from that in Kampala.
Coach Bobby Williamson will monitor his players’ fitness levels and also look at different options that will accommodate Sweden-based midfielder Martin Kayongo Mutumba, who secured his dual citizenship yesterday and is now legible to play for Uganda.
The Cranes will however have to identify a translator as 99% of the population speak French. Just 1% of 100 people understand a word in English.