'We have what it takes to qualify'

By J. Senyimba and Douglas Mazune

Africa Youth Champ Qualifier

Today (Saturday)

Ghana v Uganda

Uganda U-20 coach Paul Nkata shoulders the challenge of defending a 3-1 lead over Ghana in the Africa Youth Championship return leg in Tamale but that will not stop his attack-minded fullbacks Joseph Ochaya and Nicholas Wadada from stepping forward.

“Our full backs and forwards have good pace. I see us scoring a goal or more. In defence we are good, it is just a matter of avoiding unnecessary fouls,” Nkata explained.

Nkata rated his team’s ability to defend purposefully from home at 85% and expects a result in Tamale.

The Hippos tactician will have to deal with the height deficiency of his central defenders Denis Bigala, Sam Ssenkoomi, Misi Katende and skipper Yusuf Mukisa especially when they concede set-pieces.

The Hippos 3-1 lead over the Black Satellites appears never to have extinguished aspirations of the Ghanians who left Kampala sure of making amends at home.

Black Satellites coach Maxwell Konadu whose boys beat Real Tamale United 2-1 in a friendly on Sunday, claim limited intelligence was responsible for their loss in Kampala.

“They know what to expect in Tamale. The slippery field at Nakivubo Stadiumwas a problem for my boys,” Konadu was quoted by the local media in Ghana this week.