With the two sides set to meet in a crucial 2018 World Cup Qualifier, Uganda playing as the underdogs, have nevertheless, been a constant headache to the Black Stars of Ghana. On paper, this might look like an easy task for the visitors but Uganda, boasts an impressive record at home having never lost to the Black Stars at the Namboole National Stadium, Kampala.
The Cranes are currently second, with seven points, one ahead of Ghana and two behind table leaders, Egypt.
The highly anticipated encounter is easily a bitter reminder of the dreadful March 18th, 1978 AFCON Final when hosts Ghana won the trophy after a 2-0 win and since then, Uganda went on a massive decline going on to miss a qualification spot for the next 39 years at the African tournament – the biggest stage of any appearance.
Despite the long absence, Uganda rebuilt from scratch going on to qualify for the Gabon 2016 AFCON Finals and is hoping, Saturday’s 2018 World Cup Qualifier could be the side’s chance to reverse the table standings in its favor.
For Ghana, it is a big opportunity to re-affirm its status as one of Africa’s heavyweights.
Head-to-Head Record.
This will be a record 10th time the teams are meeting in an international competition. In the last four meetings alone, the two sides have won a game each and shared the spoils on the other two occasions (W-2, D-2, L-1). Uganda held its ground in Accra to get a crucial away point but Ghana is still favorite.
Team news.
Ghana’s contingent arrived in Kampala yesterday after a training camp in Kenya, surprisingly without the Ayew brothers and Captain Asamoah Gyan.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“We are happy to have traveled well. We had a good training camp in Kenya and we are here to play well against Uganda,”[/perfectpullquote]
Kwesi Appiah, the team’s head coach told fufa.com upon arrival.
Uganda, on the other hand, is glad to have back Tonny Mawejje who scored in the 1-1 AFCON qualifier draw against Ghana having missed the last two games against Egypt while trying to finalize his transfer to Tirana.
“I am now rejuvenated and ready to give in all that I have to help Uganda get good results,” he told fufa.com on.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Personally, I am set together with my teammates to encounter Ghana. This is almost a game of our lives we must win to stay in contention for the World Cup slot,”[/perfectpullquote]
Simba striker Okwi also added in a pre-game press briefing.
Uganda.
Goalkeepers
Benjamin Ochan & Ismail Watenga
Outfield players
Nico Wadada, Denis Iguma, Savio Kabugo, Bernard Muwanga, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awanyi, Ivan Ntege, Tom Masiko, Shafik Kagimu, Muzamir Mutyaba, Tom Masiko, Derrick Nsibambi and Nelson Senkatuka, Isaac Isinde, Joseph Ochaya, Godfrey Walusimbi, Hassan Wasswa, Tonny Mawejje, William Kizito Luwagga, Edrisa Lubega & Geoffrey Serunkuma
Ghana.
Goalkeepers
Richard Ofori (Martizburg United, South Africa), Lawrence Ati (Sochaux, France), Joseph Addo (Aduana Stars)
Defenders
Harrison Afful (Columbus, USA), Daniel Opare (Augsburg, Germany) Agbenyenu Lumor (Portimonese, Portugal), Abass Mohammed (Harrisburg City, USA), Kasim Nuhu (Young Boys, Switzerland), Daniel Amartey (Leicester,England), Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew,USA), Nicholas Opoku (Club Africain, Tunisia), Vincent Atinga (Hearts of Oak)
Midfielders
Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Joseph Attamah (Bakaksehir, Turkey), Christian Atsu (Newcastle United, England), Kingsley Sarfo (Malmo, Sweden), Alfred Duncan (Sassuolo FC, Italy), Ebenezer Ofori (Stuttgart, Germany), Frank Acheampong (Tianjin TEDA, China), Isaac Twum (Inter Allies), Patrick Twumasi (Astana FC, Kazakhstan)
Forwards
Raphael Dwamena (FC Zurich, Switzerland), John Antwi (Misr Lel-Makkasa, Egypt), Richmond Boakye Yiadom (Crvena Zvezda, Serbia)
Featured Photo: The Observer
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