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MATCH PREVIEW: Cranes determined to seal AFCON qualification against Cape Verde

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DAVID GOMBE

The Uganda Cranes will be aiming at securing Africa Cup of Nations qualification with a positive result against Cape Verde Islands at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole tomorrow Saturday 17th November.

Sebastien Desabre’s charges currently lead group L with 10 points garnered while Cape Verde are third placed with 4 points.

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Cranes defeated Lesotho 2-0 in their previous game at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru, thanks to a Faruku Miya first half brace while the Blue Sharks lost away to Tanzania 2-0.

(FUFA Media) 

Uganda has registered three wins, drawn twice and lost two in the last seven games played with friendlies inclusive. Cape Verde has managed 3 victories, 3 defeats and drawn only once in the previous games they have played.

Uganda is yet to concede a goal in this qualification campaign and are ranked 79th while Riu Agaus’ men are ranked higher and are in 68th place as of the October FIFA rankings.

Cranes captain and custodian Denis Onyango expects a tough task but is confident that focus and determination in the camp will be crucial to guide the team to maximum points.

“We are fully focused for the task ahead but it will a difficult game since in football there is no easy game. We just need to do our best and take the team back to the Nations cup. We know we are facing a motivated side that is desperate for points but we are also determined for maximum points.” Stated the Skipper.

Onyango carries Aucho, Miya and Kateregga (FUFA Media) 

Both teams have previously met three times, with Uganda winning twice and losing the other. During this qualification campaign the two sides were separated by a Geoffrey Sserunkuma sole goal.

Emmanuel Okwi will miss this contest through accumulation of cards. Midfield maestro Moses Waiswa who has been impressive ever since his Cranes debut is expected to provide a positive contribution.

Faruku Miya “Golden Boy” who has three goals this campaign alongside custodian Denis Onyango “Safe hands” who is yet to concede in 360 minutes will be tasked to guide Desabre’s side to glory.

Ricardo Gomes with two goals in this campaign alongside Jorge Djaning and Ramos Heldon the visitors all time goal scorer with 50 goals are expected to guide Rui Agaus’ side to dreamland.

(FUFA Media)

Uganda need only a point to confirm a place to a second successive Africa Cup of Nations tournament due next year in Cameroon. The Blue Sharks need nothing but a win at Namboole to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the final tournament for a third time in the country’s history.

Match officials
Center Referee : Youssef Essrayri
Assistant Referee 1: Yamen Malloulchi
Assistant Referee 2: Jridi

Probable Line Up
Onyango, Wadada, Walusimbi, Wasswa, Jjuuko, Iguma, Aucho, Waiswa, Miya, Muleme & Lubega

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