Uganda Vs Burkina Faso – Mandela National stadium, Namboole Kick Off: 7pm
The Cranes fell to Jonathan Pitroipa penalty on Saturday but they have to move on and seek avenge on Tuesday when the two sides meet again at Namboole.
Pitroipa scored from 12 yards after being fouled by Aucho Khalid in the area but the Cranes were impressive in performance and should have been awarded a penalty as well after striker Emma Okwi, on for Walusimbi was tripped in the area but the referee thought otherwise.
The 1978 finalists however know that almost isn’t good enough and will need to clinical against the Stallions- a side they have never beaten at home in two meetings.
Team News
Uganda Cranes arrived safely from Ouagadougou and have no injuries as well as suspensions for the game.
Coach Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic is expected to ring a few changes from the side that started on Saturday with Godfrey Walusimbi and Aucho Khalid likely to be replaced although the Serb remains tightlipped on his squad.
In case Wazza – as Walusimbi is known is dropped, SC Villa’s Mike Sserumaga or Vietnam based Moses Oloya may take his slot while one of Hassan Wasswa and Michael Azira may replace Aucho.
The Cranes are to hold the last training session at Namboole at 8pm on Monday.
Burkina Faso touched down in Kampala on Sunday hours before the Cranes returned and are in buoyant mood.
Not so many changes are expected in their squad that won the game in Ouagadougou although Alain Traore maybe drifted into the starting eleven after coming off the bench.
As per the rules, the Stallions are to train at match day venue Namboole on Monday evening.
Man to Watch
Geoffrey Massa (Uganda) – With all his 13 qualification goals coming at Namboole, expect urge from the forward to add to his tally.
Denied by the flag on Saturday, Massa will be hungry and the need to silence visitors with at least a goal.
Bakary Kone (Burkina Faso) – Not many teams have stopped The Cranes from scoring at Namboole and if Burkina Faso is to achieve the rare feat, their Olympique Lyon defender will be critical. He is the man expected to give Massa and company a hard time with his agility, game reading and skillful defending.
FACTS
The two sides have met five times – Uganda has won once, lost twice and drew twice.
Ten goals have been scored between the meetings – Uganda has scored four, conceded six
Two of the meetings came in the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers with Uganda losing 2-0 away before drawing 2-2 at home.
Only three Ugandan players – Yunus Sentamu (2), Simeon Masaba and Geoffrey Sserunkuma have ever scored against Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso have played at nine (9) AFCON finals since Uganda last played at the continental showpiece in 1978.
Cranes Lineup Prediction:
Denis Onyango (GK), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Jjuuko, Isaac Isinde, Hassan Wasswa, Tony Mawejje, William Kizito Luwagga, Farouk Miya, Emmanuel Okwi and Geoffrey Massa (C)
Credit: Kawowo Sports