Cranes Face Taifa Stars Today in AFCON Qualifiers

Afcon Qualifier 2019, Group L

Today, September 08, 2018
Uganda vs. Tanzania 4pm
Mandela National Stadium, Namboole

Uganda’s national football team, The Cranes is set to play their second group L game in Afcon 2019 qualifiers against fellow East Africans, Taifa stars of Tanzania, Saturday afternoon, at Mandela national stadium in Kampala.

Cranes started this campaign with a 1-0 win against group mates, Cape Verde away from home last year. The other group game between Tanzania and Lesotho ended in a one all draw in Dar es Salam.

Uganda who lead the group with the maximum three points, are seeking to feature at the continent’s biggest tournament for the second time, after ending a 39 year jinx when they appeared at Afcon last year.

Orlando Pirates tactician, Micho Sredejovic, guided the boys at the last tournament in Gabon, but current coach Sebastian Desabre, is optimistic about winning the Tanzanians and maintain their top seat in Group L.

He however says Tanzania under Nigerian coach Emmanuel Amunike, is a good side whose ability shouldn’t be underestimated.

“The are a good team and have a good coach. But, three points against Tanzania are so important to us and we shall fight for the win,” said Desabre after the last training at Namboole yesterday.

Oh his part, Taifa stars tactician, Emmanuel Amunike, said Cranes is not an easy team, but,they intend to embark on team work in order to register victory.

“Playing Uganda will be very interesting. We know that it will not be an easy match but we will put lots of emphasis on our team work,” Mr Amunike said.

Since 1997, Uganda has only lost twice at Mandela National Stadium to South Africa and Togo.

All the summoned players including captain Denis Onyango, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns are all in the camp with no reported cases of illness.

UGANDA CRANES PROBABLE XI

Denis Onyango, Nico Wakiro Wadada, Godfrey Walusimbi, Murushid Juuko, Denis Timothy Awany, Hassan Wasswa, William Luwagga Kizito, Joseph Ochaya, Farouk Miya, Emmanuel Okwi, Derrick Nsibambi.