Massa bullish ahead of Liberia tie

By Fred Kaweesi

Saturday

Uganda v Liberia

June 15

Uganda v Angola

UGANDA Cranes’ match-winning prospects in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Liberia will principally depend on how the team performs in midfield.

“Of course, we will need to defend well but the most important area for us will be passing the ball better in midfield and releasing it faster or early behind the Liberian defence,” Cranes lead striker Geoffrey Massa hinted yesterday.

The Cyprus-based forward was neutralised in the 2-0 defeat to the Lone Stars in March.

He watched on in frustration as the West Africans bulldozed their way against the Cranes with a domineering performance at the back, midfield and attack.

However, although the loss in Monrovia literally ended Uganda’s interests in the World Cup qualifying campaign, Massa insists Cranes will avenge the result but with an improved display in midfield. 

“We have the qualities to do that. We will simply have to press them and not allow them pressurize our back-four. They are fast but we can be faster. Of course, the surface will also be better,” he added.

Massa was rested for the friendly against Libya but will be in the reckoning for the forthcoming fixtures.

When the Cranes regroup this afternoon for their first session since the 3-0 defeat in

Tripoli, coach Micho Sredojevic will have a full squad available to enable him try out various formations.

He is expected to drop a few of the players that didn’t impress in Tripoli and rope in four of the first team regulars Andrew Mwesigwa, Henry Kalungi, Tony Mawejje and Emmanuel Okwi, who were due in the country yesterday.

Sweden-based midfielder Martin Mutumba also returns to restore his pride that faded with that dismal showing against Senegal last year.

Liberia are still sweating over the likely absence of injured first team defenders Teah Dennis and Solomon Grimes and captain Anthony Laffor.