Lutimba not fit for Ghana battle

By Swalley Kenyi

Africa Youth Champ qualifier (Sat 11, Aug)
Ghana v Uganda (Tamale stadium)

Paul Nkata hopes to make a change on the Uganda Hippos team that is due to confront Ghana Black Satellites in the U-20 Africa Youth Championship first round, second leg qualifier at Tamale Stadium on August 11.

The match is a must win for the hosts while any draw for the Hippos will see them through to the second and final round of the qualifiers for the 2013 Africa Youth Championship in Algeria.

Nkata said his side that beat Ghana 3-1 at Nakivubo stadium last month is ready to take on Ghana with only one change in his defence line.

He hopes to start URA defender Sam Ssenkoomi ahead of ‘timid’ Misi Katende as the only change. Budding star Yayo Lutimba missed the first leg after picking an injury at the CECAFA Kagame Cup.

Nkata on Tuesday said that Lutimba had not fully regained his fitness and that he would start off the bench.

The Hippos team is camped at Kavumba Recreation Centre in Wakiso and depart for Tamale tomorrow (Thursday) seeking to advance to the next stage of the Africa Youth Championship qualifiers.

The winner over the two legs will face the victor between Morocco and Gambia in September and October to qualify for the 19th edition of the U-20 Africa Youth Championship. The semi-finalists in the Africa Youth Championship also qualify for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.