Ghana and coach Avram Grant want to go one better than in 2015 when they lost the final to Ivory Coast on penalties however one advice to them from Cranes supporters is ..... they should expected the unexpected from Uganda Cranes.
Well, Uganda Cranes returns to the biggest tournament in African football after 39 years absence ironically with a game against Ghana, their last opponent. The Cranes lost 2-0 to Ghana Black Stars in the 1978 finals and have since been absent from the competition.
So what do managers say:
Ghana coach Avram Grant:
"The players have showed good spirit, the quality is good. We will be ready for the first game. We came here to do something good. It's ok to say we want to win but it would be unprofessional to think we will just get it."
Uganda Coach Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic
It’s an honour to be here. Ugandans have been dreaming to be here and we are happy the dream is on now. History will not play against Ghana tomorrow (Tuesday) and the past three matches will not count. We have no experience at AFCON finals but we have planned for the tournament.
History of this fixture:
Below is the full list of matches between Ghana and Uganda at the senior level
World Cup 2018, Qualifying tournament, Africa, Third round, group E
07.10.2016 Ghana 0–0 Uganda
African Cup of Nations 2015, Qualifying African Cup of Nations 2015, Qualifying tournament, Group E
15.11.2014 Uganda 1–0 Ghana
KampalaNelson Mandela National Stadium
African Cup of Nations 2015, Qualifying tournament, Group E
06.09.2014 Ghana 1–1 Uganda
Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium
Friendly internationals 2009
31.05.2009 Ghana 2–1 Uganda
TamaleTamale Stadium
World Cup 2006, Qualifying tournament, Africa, Group 2
04.09.2005 Ghana 2–0 Uganda
KumasiBaba Yara Stadium
World Cup 2006, Qualifying tournament, Africa, Group 2
03.07.2004 Uganda 1–1 Ghana
KampalaNelson Mandela National Stadium
African Cup of Nations 2004, Qualifying tournament, Group 13
22.06.2003 Ghana 1–1 Uganda
Kumasi
African Cup of Nations 2004, Qualifying tournament, Group 13
07.09.2002 Uganda 1–0 Ghana
Kampala
Friendly internationals 2000
25.10.2000 Uganda 2-1 Ghana
Kenya
African Cup of Nations 1978, Final tournament, Final
18.03.1978 Ghana 2–0 Uganda
Friendly international
23.10.1964 Uganda 0-2 Ghana
Friendly international
30.9.1964 Ghana 2-0 Uganda
Friendly international
Accra Sports Stadium
10.10.1962 Ghana 4-1 Uganda
How will Uganda Cranes line up today?
Denis Onyango has been passed fit following an injury in the 3-0 loss to Cote d’Ivoire in a friendly but the absence of Jjuuko and Aucho makes the starting eleven hard to predict.
Hassan Wasswa Mawanda is expected to fill the void at the heart of defence with Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito anchoring the backline.
Murushid Juuko and Khalid Aucho are both suspended.
Uganda Cranes Probable XI:
Denis Onyango (GK), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa, Isaac Isinde, Geoffrey Baba Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Mike Azira, William Luwagga Kizito, Farouk Miya and Geoffrey Massa (C).
FYI: Ghana Vs Uganda – Stade de Port Gentil @ 7pm
