Egypt, Ghana and Uganda will also soon be tired of the sight of each other having been drawn together in Group D in the group stage of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations only four months after they were placed in the same group for 2018 World Cup qualifying.
“People say you can escape anything but not divine intervention and destiny not that is why we are playing Ghana and Egypt in World Cup and AFCON finals group,” Uganda Coach Micho Sredojevic said about the group adding, “It is unbelievable but this is pure measurement of values and test of character.”
Micho also rates Mali highly just months after Uganda and the West African being together in the Chan 2016 Group Stages in Rwanda and the tie ended 2-all.
“Mali is also there making it a very tough group. We need to prepare properly in order to be competitive enough,” the Serbian born tactician said.
“We have a surprise and it would be a great proof that we are moving towards a bright future for Ugandan football. Egypt is hungry after missing out on the last three editions. We are looking forward to playing against them, and Mali too. Micho’s charges will finish the pool matches against West Africans Mali on January 25 at Stade d’Oyem.
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Seven-time African champions Egypt will be eager to revive their dominance after some years of under-performing, while Ghana are desperate to win their first title since 1982 and go one better than the runners-up spot they achieved last time out and in 2012 and 1992.
“Personally, I believe that impossible is nothing. I believe in working and the players. We shall have to prepare well and call upon the 40 million Ugandans to support the team,” Micho added.
The Cranes’ opener after that huge lull is against the same opposition they last played. Cranes last Afcon match was the 2-0 loss to hosts Ghana in the 1978 final.
“I have to say that it has not been easy in our last three matches against Ghana, we have drawn twice and won one,” Micho commented about the upcoming clashes with last year’s AFCON finalists. “Now we will be playing on a neutral and is difficult to play four times against such a big team.”
Uganda’s last appearance at the tournament was in 1978, when they lost in the final to Ghana.
