Saturday, January 21
Ghana v Mali, Port Gentil, 6pm
Egypt v Uganda, Port Gentil, 10pm
Wednesday, January 25
Egypt v Ghana, Port Gentil, 10pm
Uganda v Mali, Oyem, 10pm
Ghana’s Black Stars is the kind of team that would ordinarily not need any help to beat Uganda, yet that is what happened when the two nations renewed acquaintances in Port Gentil. A repeat of such generosity against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Saturday and our sojourn in Gabon might be over before midnight.
What the Cranes players and coaching staff have going for them is that they can approach the next game with a dose of confidence, buoyed by the team’s second half display against Ghana, and Uganda will need lots of self-belief heading into the remaining two group games against Egypt and Mali. From both games we need at least four points and hope that the other results go in our favour for the team to progress. That automatically means the worst result the Cranes can afford against Egypt is a draw. A loss would in all likelihood mean an early elimination. That means Uganda must find a balance between defence and attack.
Tactical discipline key
Although Cranes were undone by naivety in defence, Micho’s charges showed little appetite to adventure until the Ghanaians had taken the lead, and the Cranes tactician has shown himself to be exceptionally defensive in the past. It will, however start in crafting midfield solidity, as that is a department where Egypt is strongest, with the talents of Mohamed Elneny and Tarek Hamed. It will certainly help that Khalid Aucho returns from his one match suspension, as does Murushid Jjuuko, freeing up Hassan Wasswa for a role in midfield. The presence of these players will count for nothing without tactical discipline.
A call to be courageous
For a coach that is risk-averse, Micho also did the unthinkable when he fielded four strikers at some point in the second half against Ghana. Now, he must repeat the same trick, and probably from kick-off. Nineteen-year-old Muhammad Shaban showed he deserves to be trusted with more time, and Moses Oloya gave a good account of himself. They should both start, because at this point there is nothing to lose. Cranes’ main goal should be to retain an interest in the tournament ahead of their last group game against Mali. It is the least they can aim for.