It’s now or never. That’s the word on every Ugandan lips as The Cranes host Comoros in a must win 2017 AFON qualifier on Sunday at Namboole.
The 1978 runners up are second on the group D log that has leaders Burkina Faso and third placed Botswana but only behind due to an inferior head to head record.
All they need is beat the Islanders on Sunday and confirm their slot in Gabon 2017, regardless of happenings elsewhere.
Cranes Coach Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic is confident his side has gained the mental strength to overcome their opponents and break the 39 year old jinx.
“The boys are mentally tough and ready to make millions of Ugandans happy,” he stated before revealing they have respect for the opponent ranked 155, 95 slots below Uganda.
It’s doesn’t matter how they rank. They have worked hard over the years from 200 to 155 and most of their players play across Europe. We shall approach the tie with respect to them but we shall not over respect.
First choice goalie Denis Onyango is expected to be fit for the game despite earlier threats that he would miss through injury.
With Denis Guma suspended, the biggest question lies at right back where makeshift Isaac Isinde is a prime candidate to start ahead of Nicholas Wadada and Joseph Nsubuga.
Tonny Mawejje and Aucho Khalid are assured of berths in the middle of the pack with Farouk Miya and Luwagga Kizito joining skipper Geoffrey Massa who leads the hunt for goals.
Emmanuel Okwi, Moses Oloya, Yunus Sentamu and Godfrey Walusimbi also have a big shout out on the starting eleven but all that remains in the hands of Micho and his backroom staff.
A win for Uganda will see them earn a ticket to Gabon while a stalemate leaves their chances out of their hands.
Probable XI:
Denis Onyango, Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Jjuuko, Hassan Wasswa, Tonny Mawejje, Khalid Aucho, Emmanuel Okwi, Geoffrey Massa © and Luwagga Kizito.