Sun 18th May 2014
Madagascar Vs Uganda
3pm (Same time as in Uganda and Madagascar)
Venue: Stade Rabemananjara – Mahajanga (Artificial turf)
Match officials: Ref: Victor Gomes Miguel (RSA)
Ass Ref 1: Stevens Khumalo Mothibidi (RSA)
Ass Ref 2: Sandile Dili Kane (RSA)
Fourth Official: Victor Lungwani Tinyiko
Match commissioner: Gladmore Muzambi (Zimbabwe)
By Fred Katende in Madagascar
Uganda Cranes Media Officer
The National senior team-Uganda Cranes finally got the feel of the artificial turf they will be playing on when they take on home side Madagascar at the Stade Rabemananjara – Mahajanga in the first leg second round 2015 AFCON qualification campaign tomorrow afternoon.
The Uganda Cranes training session was watched by a cross section of home fans.
Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovich is confident his players can pick up a good result to keep them in the driving seat for the return leg on 31st May at Mandela National stadium.
No injuries were reported as the Serbian has a full 18 man squad available for selection.
The Cranes players had a one hour training session as stipulated in the CAF rules for a visiting team to use the host stadium on the eve of the match.
Cranes’ dream is to appear at Nations cup finals for the first time since 1978 at the continent’s premier football tournament.
Meanwhile in his final training session at Namboole on Thursday evening, Micho’s emphasis was on the technical and tactical acumen.
‘We handled the session of drills very well and I feel we’re comfortable’ said Micho shortly after the final training session at Namboole stadium.
‘We must be tactically prepared, mentally mature and technically fit if we are to beat Madagascar at their home soil’ emphasized Micho.
Cranes will have to do the job minus some of the key players Denis Onyango, Ondongkara Robert, midfield maestros Tony Maweje and Oloya Moses plus striker Geoffrey Massa. Injuries took their toll on the stars.
The Serb has repeatedly said that Uganda is endowed with abundant sports talent.
‘We need all people to be together if we are to fulfill our dream of qualifying for 2015 AFCON in Morocco’ said Micho after he named his 35 man squad three weeks at FUFA house in Mengo
It is not clear who will be the happier of two at the end of the match tomorrow. Will it be Auguste Raux or Micho?
The Cranes have a huge advantage over Madagascar. The latest FIFA ranking put Uganda at 86th while Madagascar 189th.
Man to watch (Uganda) – Emanuel Okwi, he has established himself into a reliable asset in Micho’s time as coach of Cranes so far. His versatility and dribbling skills doing it at a higher tempo on the field of play has seen various defenders sweat to stop him. He plies his trade in Tanzania with Young Africans.
Squad for selection: Goal Keepers: Hamza Muwonge (Thika United – Kenya) and Ismail Watenga (Vipers SC – Uganda)
Defenders: Denis Iguma (SCVU), Joseph Ochaya (Asante Kotoko – Ghana), Savio Kabugo (SCVU), Henry Kalungi (Richmond Kickers – US), Andrew Mwesigwa (Ordabasy FC – Kazakhstan) and Isaac Isinde (St. George – Ethiopia)
Midfielders: Luwagga Kizito (Sporting Covilha – Portugal), Martin Mutumba (Turkey), Khalid Aucho (Tusker FC – Kenya), Geofrey ‘Baba’ Kizito (Gor Mahia – Kenya), Hassan Wasswa and Brian Majwega (KCC FC)
Strikers: Hamis Kiiza (Yanga SC – TZ), Daniel Sserunkuma (Gor Mahia FC – Kenya), Francis Olaki (Soana FC) and Emmanuel Okwi (Yanga SC – TZ)
Additional reporting by Joseph Mutaka
Photos: Cranes final training session at Stade Rabemananjara – Mahajanga (Artificial turf) in Madagascar
