Ghana V/s Uganda: Everything You Need to Know About the Group D Clash

Ghana will be taking on Uganda in their first match of the African Cup of Nations, at Stade de Port Gentil, today, January 17.

The black Stars will be looking to emulate their previous campaign where they had a spectacular run to the final, despite losing to eventual winners Ivory Coast, on penalties.

The side is managed by Former Chelsea and West Ham United manager, Avram Grant, carrying enough experience to guide the former champions to their fifth title. Ghana last won the trophy in 1982.

On the other hand, Uganda will be featuring in their first AFCON competition since 1978 where they finished as runners-up.

Milutin Sredojevic’s side will be hoping his side can impress in the ongoing tournament, aiming to beat the odds and qualify for, at least, the next round.

They are the underdogs in the competition and will count on mostly little-known home-based players in the tournament.

The Uganda Cranes have caused constant upsets whenever they faced the Black Stars in the past. They have faced Ghana on six occasions but the West African side hasn’t won a game against the only East African representative at the AFCON, in the last three clashes.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ghana – Asamoah Gyan.

The 31-year-old is Ghana’s most capped player and leading all-time goal scorer. He missed most of the qualification campaign but is still Ghana’s major threat up front.

As he approaches the end of his long successful career with the black stars, he will surely give it his all to help win their first title since 1982.

Uganda – Faruku Miya

Uganda’s captain Geoffrey Massa might have been Uganda’s main man in the qualification round but there’s no denying there’s a new kid on the block.

Farouk Miya, will be the name for many Uganda Cranes fans today as they take on Ghana. The young Standard Liege player had a key role in the countries qualification, even scoring the crucial goal against Comoros that sealed their spot in Gabon. This will be Miya’s chance to finally impress and show the world what he’s capable of.

KEY OPTA STATS

• This is Ghana’s 21st AFCON participation, a tally only bettered by Egypt (23) and Ivory Coast (22).
• Ghana is the only team to have reached the semi-finals in each of the last five AFCON tournaments.
• Uganda has lost 12 of their 16 AFCON games (winning three, drawing one), although three of those wins have come in their last five games.
• Andre Ayew scored three goals and delivered two assists in six games at the 2015 AFCON, the joint-highest goal involvement alongside Wilfried Bony.
• This is Uganda’s sixth AFCON participation. Their last game in the tournament was in March 1978 in the final against Ghana, where they lost 2-0 in the final.
• This is the first AFCON for Uganda Cranes manager, Milutin Sredojevic.

Possible Line Ups.

Ghana.

Razak; Afful, Mensah, Rahman, Acheampong; Atsu, Agyemang-Badu, Mubarak; Gyan, J. Ayew, A. Ayew.

Uganda

Onyango; Walusimbi, Isinde, Iguma, Ochaya; Mawejje, Oloya, Miya, Luwagga; Massa, Sserunkuma.

Where to watch live.

Today’s group Kick-off is set for 4pm GMT/5pm local time and will be televised on Super Sport across Africa.

Live streaming of the matches will be available on Eurosport UK Player for mobile, tablet and desktop users.

Below is a list of TV channels that will air the game around the world:

Featured Photo: Courtesy of CAF twitter