The Cranes have had a basketful of so-near- yet-so- far moments as far as Afcon qualification goes, but this feels like surely the time to break the jinx.
Uganda Cranes goes up against history on Sunday. It has been 39 years without a taste of the Africa Cup of Nations. Our boys have suffered heartbreak, seizing failure from the jaws of success in the two narrow misses when presented with grand opportunities against Kenya in 2011 and on penalties against Zambia in the 2012 campaign. Those campaigns presented Uganda with glittering opportunities, but one of them was a derby and the other was a contest with a reigning African champion. Neither could be said to be as gilt-edged as Comoros at home. Like Group D leaders Burkina Faso, the Cranes have 10 points but have a better head-to- head.
What this means is all that Uganda needs to do is win. It won’t matter if Burkina Faso win against Botswana, a win for the Cranes will definitely see our team seal their ticket to Gabon for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the best runners-up having amassed 13 points. There have been campaigns that started with so much promise only to collapse; there have been heartbreaks. This time, though, feels just right. This is the moment.
Who’s in the squad
Cranes coach Micho Sredejovic has named a strong squad for the final qualifying game.
Goalkeepers: Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Jamal Magoola (El Merriekh, Sudan), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA, Uganda), Ismail Watenga (Vipers, Uganda)
Defenders: Nicholas Wadada (Vipers, Uganda), Joseph Nsubuga (SC Villa, Uganda), Bevis Mugabi (Yoevil Town, UK), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Al Shorta, Iraq), Murushid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania), Isaac Isinde (St George, Ethiopia), Timothy Denis Awanyi (KCCA, Uganda), Rashid Toha (Onduparaka, Uganda), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers, Uganda), Joseph Benson Ochaya (KCCA, Uganda), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya)
Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Baroka, South Africa), Tonny Mawejje (Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, Iceland),
Geoffrey Kizito (Than Quảng Ninh, Vietnam), Moses Oloya (Kuban Kransndor, Russia), Kezironi Kizito (Vipers, Uganda), Ivan Ntege (KCCA, Uganda), William Luwagga Kizito (Feirense, Portugal), Vincent Kayizzi Walugembe (KCCA, Uganda), Abdulmalick Vitalis Tabu (Sports Club Villa, Uganda)
Strikers: Geofrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa), Farouk Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium), Yunus Sentamu (FC Ilves, Finland), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (SønderjyskE, Denmark), Geofrey Sserunkuma (KCCA, Uganda), Edrisa Lubega (Proline, Uganda), Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka, Uganda), Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers, Uganda).
THE PLAYERS ON WHOSE SHOULDERS OUR HOPES REST
Denis Onyango: Outstanding for many campaigns and saving at least one penalty in almost each campaign, he is the greatest assurance our defence will not be breached
Tony Mawejje: A veteran of the Cranes team and its saviour on several occasions by netting or assisting goals, he plays a great role in our midfield by often dictating the tempo with his composed displays.
Geofrey Massa: Captain and the man to go to for goals, playing at Namboole seems to bring something out in him.
Farouk Miya: The young talent is fast becoming something of a talisman, and has a knack for scoring vital goals