Ugandan skipper, Geoffrey Massa, has spoken tough ahead of the clash with Ghana, insisting that The Cranes mean business and are not holiday-makers in Gabon.
The Cranes face previous AFCON runners-up in an expected scintillating showdown in Gabon’s second largest city, Port-Gentil.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”We are not here as tourists, we came here for business. We have a purpose and we will start it tomorrow (Tuesday),”[/perfectpullquote]
the 30-year-old said.
The fixture marking the opener for Group D will be the East African nation’s maiden appearance since 1978.
Tipped a must-watch despite Uganda being referred to as minnows in a group also comprising of Egypt and Mali, Tuesday’s opener will set whoever gets to win, onto a brighter start.
Massa added, “It’s a good feeling to be my team’s captain after all these years. It’s a motivation to the players and we are all happy and can’t wait for tomorrow.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”It won’t be easy against Ghana but we know why we are here. We had good results against them recently. Millions of people are waiting for us with happiness and this is our motivation.”[/perfectpullquote]
Putting the 2-0 and 3-0 friendly defeats to Tunisia and Ivory Coast respectively, aside, Uganda is ready to set the group ablaze.
The team might not have stars names compared to its contemporaries in Group D, but The Cranes have the backing of the Africa’s best goalkeeper, Dennis Onyango and a young Mohammed Shaban (30-goal striker), also at their disposal and an expected added advantage.
Geoffrey outlines Uganda is on a mission with a team comprising of young players.
“We have a great coach who always encourages the players. He’s a blessing to Uganda. We have a lot of young players in the team.
“Playing against Ghana is tough, but we will be up for the mission,” The Cranes’ skipper, who plies his trade with South Africa’s Baroka FC, told CAFonline in his pre-match views.
Featured photo: Uganda Cranes get their long awaited taste of AFCON football. (FUFA)
