Uganda Cranes will be playing Ghana’s Black Stars in Port Gentil’s Stade Sogara, Gabon today after 39 years of missing out in the African Cup of Nations.
The Cranes have played the Blackstars in three matches over the last three years. The Ghanaian team has not won any of the matches against Uganda. Although things could quickly go south for the East African football team as the West Africans has more experienced at this level.
“Since 1978, we have missed 19 AFCONs while Ghana have been at each and everyone of them. So they come into the match as the side that know this level better.” Uganda’s coach Micho Sredojevic told Daily Monitor yesterday afternoon at the team’s Hotel Du Parc, just three minutes from Stade Sogara
Cranes’ defender Murushid Juuko and Midfielder Khalid Aucho will not be in the opening game since they have been suspended.
Zambian football legend Kalusha Bwalya told Uganda Cranes not to lose the first match, saying the East Africn team has got big teams to play against ‘Let’s see how Uganda start. But I tell you, it’s tough. Egypt, Ghana, Mali, (blows cheeks) it’s tough.’
“The opening match of any competition is very, very important. We must enter the tournament with full power because what is before us now is Ghana. We will not think about Egypt and Mali; all we are planning and thinking for is Ghana.” Said Uganda’s coach Micho Sredojevic
“We know that the entire country is behind us and this is an historic opportunity for some of us who have been in the squad for so long. We don’t want to leave with regrets so the only thing to do is to give our alls to fulfill the expectations of our fellow Ugandans.” Said Cranes’ Midfielder Tonny Mawejje
https://twitter.com/andrewkabuura/status/821245804711149568
Glo CAF National team and African Player of the year awards presented to Uganda Cranes players. Great inspiration ahead of Ghana match pic.twitter.com/mz77dZ14c1
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) January 16, 2017
Good luck to the #UgandaCranes today in their match against Ghana. Look forward to a great match and a Cranes victory! #AFCON2017
— U.S. Ambassador to Uganda (@USAmbUganda) January 17, 2017
#CAN:We are now in Gabon ready for @AFCON_2017 .@MosesMagogo @michocoach @JanetMuseveni @Airtel_Ug @NileSpecial @NileSpecial @BidcoUganda pic.twitter.com/saqjYbdOMG
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) January 14, 2017
Countrymen and women, let's rally behind the Uganda Cranes as they begin their quest for continental glory today. Good luck! pic.twitter.com/ejMYyqtsFz
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) January 17, 2017
