Excitement is evident throughout the streets of Kampala and neighboring suburbs prior to the Uganda Cranes versus Ghana Black Stars AFCON 2017 group D match on Tuesday evening at sandy facility of Port Gentil stadium.
Uganda returns to the continental show case after 39 solid years. Majority of the Ugandans and world at large are witnessing the Cranes involvement in AFCON for the first time.
A few hours ago, Cranes coach Milutin Sredejovic named the players set for the honorable duty of thrashing the Black Stars.
Mamelodi Sundowns shot stopper, also the 2016
Glo CAF footballer of the year, Dennis Onyango makes the starting eleven after excelling at a late fitness test.
The right and left back roles are occupied by Al Ahed right back Dennis Iguma and KCCA’s Joseph Ochaya respectively.
Newly signed Nejmeh Football Club (based in Lebanon) utility pla
yer, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, in the slot of suspended Murushid Jjuuko, starts in the heart of defense alongside the tried and tested legs of Isaac Isinde, currently club-less.
It is a compact midfield for Uganda with Mike Azira, Tonny Mawejje, William Luwagga Kizito and Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito.
Standard Liege live wire play maker Faruku Miya, whose strike against Comoros earned Uganda Cranes a slot at AFCON 2017 starts too.
It is a historic moment as team captain Geofrey Massa, walks out of the tunnel to inspire and aspire his troops on the field of play.
Ghana coach Grant concedes Uganda Cranes threat
Ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Uganda and Ghana, Black Stars coach Avram Grant has shown respect to the Cranes by terming them as a tough team.
Grant, whose has overseen three games against Uganda, drawing twice and winning none told the press.
“They’re a tough team, it’s not easy to play against them – and especially in Ghana we had difficulties in the last games,” Grant said before adding that history may count on Tuesday.
Uganda Cranes XI: Dennis Onyango, Dennis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Tonny Mawejje, Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Michael Azira, Faruku Miya, William Luwaga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa (Captain)
Ghana Black Stars XI: Razak Braimah, Harrison Afful, Baba Rahman, Daniel Amartey, John Boye, Thomas Partey, Mubarak Wakaso, Christian Atsu, Jordan Ayew, Andre Dede Ayew, Asamoah Gyan
