Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers: Now or never for Uganda Cranes in Casablanca

CASABLANCA

March 16, 1978: the day Uganda came closest to winning Africa’s biggest football showpiece only to fall 2-0 to hosts Ghana in the final.

Sadly, it has been one painstaking wait ever since. Eighteen Africa Cup of Nations tournaments have since been staged and Uganda have only come agonisingly close. Not close to winning the title, but earning rights to compete in it.

That wait could end on Wednesday. That agonising suspense could face its extinction if Uganda can fashion a draw against Guinea in Group E’s final 2015 Afcon qualifying game at Casablanca’s Complexe Mohammed in Morocco.

The needed point would see Uganda move to eight, and in Equatorial Guinea - the 2015 hosts - regardless of the result between Ghana and Togo in Tamale.

Ghana are on eight while Cranes opponents Guinea, who they beat 2-0 in Kampala, are level with Uganda on seven. Togo are bottom on six.

(READ: Massa, Luwagga come of age in Cranes win)

Any win for the top two will earn them a place in the continental soccer bonanza although a draw in their respective games will see Uganda and Ghana, who the Cranes better under the head-to-head rule, qualify.

“For us it is a dream,” said Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic ahead of the tie to be officiated by Senegalese referee Malang Diedhiou, “It is our driving force.

“It will be tough against Guinea but we really want to get the best out of ourselves and we look forward to qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.”

His Guinea counterpart Michel Dussuyer, whose side thrashed Togo 4-1 at the weekend, is aware of the task at hand.

“We must remain focused on our game and our goal,” he told local press, “I told them (players) that victory in Togo is useless if it is not followed by a victory against Uganda.

“Uganda concedes few goals. This is a team that is difficult to manoeuvre but we will have to find an opening.” Uganda have conceded just thrice while Guinea eight times, including Geoffrey Massa’s brace in Kampala.

Micho is expected to employ a balancing act since he cannot go all out in attack, nor can he set out to defend for a draw. The agile Guineans will punish any lapse in concentration.

WALUSIMBI RETURNS

The Serb is likely to make at least three changes by starting Godfrey Walusimbi – returning from suspension – at left-back at expense of Brian Majwega.

Dennis Onyango should retain his place in goal with skipper Andy Mwesigwa, Savio Kabugo – scorer in the 1-0 victory over Ghana, and Isaac Isinde completing the back four.

(READ: Savio Kabugo's header the difference as Cranes revive Cup of Nations dream)

Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito is likely to replace Farouq Miya in the middle alongside in-form Tonny Mawejje to add more protection to the back four.

Daniel Sserunkuma, so impressive against Ghana when he replaced Yunus Ssentamu, should help Mike Sserumaga and Kizito Luwagga to craft chances for Massa in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Dangerman Soumah Seydouba, hat-trick hero against Togo, will cause the most trouble for Uganda.

UGANDA PROBABLE XI (4-2-3-1)

Dennis Onyango (GK), Godfrey Walusimbi, Andy Mwesigwa (Captain), Savio Kabugo, Isaac Isinde, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Kizito, Luwagga Kizito, Mike Sserumaga, Daniel Sserunkuma and Geoffrey Massa.

Subs: Robert Odongkara, Habib Kavuma, Martin Kizza, Khalid Aucho, Farouq Miya, Brian Majwega, Robert Sentongo

Guinea squad

Yattara Naby Moussa, Bangoura Ibrahima Sory, Dabo Amara, Keita Abdoul Aziz, Camara Fode, Cisse Abdoulaye, Diarra Mohammed Lamine, Sankoh Baissama Mohammed, Zayatte Kamil, Conte Ibrahima Sory, Fafana Boubacar, Keita Naby, Laudel Guy Lucien Michel, Bangoura Al Hassane, Camara Aboubacar Demba, Soumah Seydouba, Traore Ibrahima and Bangoura Ismael.

FIXTURES

Guinea v Uganda (Morocco, 7pm) at Complexe Mohammed, Casablanca.

Ghana v Togo 7pm at Tamale.