Many Cranes fans may for long have been critical of coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s ultra-defensive tactics, but not too many people will be expecting Uganda, making a first appearance at the Africa Nations Cup in 39 years to go all out to attack when the tournament kicks off. Certainly not when facing Ghana, the team against whom Uganda opens its account next Tuesday. Even against the most lightweight of opponents Micho usually plays two defensive midfielders (Khalid Aucho and Hassan Wasswa) and two left wing backs (Joseph Ochaya and Godfrey Walusimbi). It would be unwise to argue against any strategy that seeks first to frustrate.
It is a method that has worked in the recent past against Ghana, which is why Cranes’ record in the last three games against the same opponent reads: 1-1, 1-0, 0-0; easily our best record against any of African giant in competitive football in the last decade. While our boys must form a compact unit as a pre-requisite, it remains to be seen if they will rise to the occasion as an attacking force against a Ghana team that has a lot to prove, having coming so close in recent tournaments. That, ultimately, will be the Cranes’ challenge.
Probable line-up
Denis Onyango, Nicholas Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Tonny Mawejje, Hassan Wasswa, Geoffrey Walusimbi, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Massa.
Prediction: Ghana 1:1 Uganda