Uganda Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic brags to having the key to winning this afternoon’s Fifa 2018 World Cup qualifier against Congo on at Namboole Stadium.
After losing to Zambia in the midweek international friendly, Micho turned his focus on “finding the medicine” to defeat Congo Brazzaville who lost 2-1 to Egypt in Pointe Noir last month in their opening qualifier.
Uganda will look to build on their positive start to Group E. The Cranes opened their campaign with a creditable goalless draw away to Ghana on October 7, a result built on the back of pragmatic and intelligent tactics from coach Micho and a high level of discipline and dedication from the players.
Following that solid performance with a home win over Congo will see Uganda well placed to challenge for a place at the 2018 global showpiece. “After the draw in Ghana, our energies are now on ensuring that we beat Congo-Brazzaville. If we do that, we will have made big steps towards the Russian dream,” said midfielder Tonny Mawejje.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, are already playing catch-up after they succumbed to group leaders Egypt on matchday one. Ferebory Dore gave them the lead, but the Pharaohs proved too strong and claimed the three points thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Abdallah Said.
After coach Pierre Lechantre’s pre-match quip that Egypt were not as strong as they used to be, it was a humbling result for the Central Africans, who must claim something from this clash in Kampala if they are to have any real hope of challenging for Russia 2018.
Uganda and Congo have met in just four official matches according to FIFA statistics, with each side claiming two wins. The match at the Mandela Stadium on Saturday will be officiated by Algerian Abid Charef Mehdi.
The other Group E clash sees Egypt host Ghana in Alexandria on Sunday evening, kick-off at 18h00 CAT.
(Agencies)
