Go do good in Ouagadougou

El Fardou Mohamed Ben Nabouhane’s lone goal to hand Comoros their first win of the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers on Thursday somewhat blew the cover on Group D. Comoros’ 1-0 victory over Botswana brought the two sides level on three points apiece after a 270-minute sweat, meaning that the aforementioned could all still qualify if they win their remaining three matches.
But that would mean Uganda and Burkina Faso, on six and three points respectively having played one game fewer than Comoros and Botswana, losing their remaining three matches. Now, chances of Burkina Faso and Uganda losing tonight are the same as those of the East African nation hosting the ‘2026 Fifa World Cup’.
A draw would still not be the best for the hosts, Burkina Faso, as it will keep them within a striking distance of Comoros and Botswana. So they will determinedly come at the Cranes, who could get out of sight with victory.

The plot
Encounters between Burkina Faso Stallions and Uganda Cranes have been close, the Stallions picking four points from the two legs of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, and Cranes winning at the 2014 Chan.
One of the two draws between the two was a friendly in 2006. Today is hardly a sociable one. This is a fight for territory, a clash of purpose.

Both will go for it, but the Cranes will most likely approach it with much more care. That is why Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic could line up in a more defensive 4-2-3-1, with either Hassan Wasswa or Michael Azira, together with Khalid Aucho protecting the back four. Tonny Mawejje, Farouk Miya and Kizito Luwagga would then complete the creative three, with skipper Geoffrey Massa – Uganda’s leading scorer in Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers with 13 goals - up top. The indefatigable Dennis Onyango in goal, Dennis Guma at right back, Joseph Ochaya at left back, and a Mrushid Juuko and Isaac Isinde at central defence partnership should continue their run after two clean sheets.

Behind enemy lines
Burkina Faso’s cast of experienced campaigners including Jonathan Pitroipa, Bakary Koné, Alain Traoré and Aristide Bancé make them a different entity from say Comoros.
And boy they are up for it. “We must wake up and correct our mistakes and promote the good things we have. We have to fight,” coach Paulo Duarte told local press.

That the Cranes have mostly always collapsed at this stage after starting well is not a forgotten felony, but at six points from the first two games – a first –, they should fancy their chances.

Make believe
Micho sees no reason why they should not believe. “We had a real football war in training,” the Serbian told Saturday Monitor by phone after the team’s first training in Ouagadougou on Thursday night.

“So I’m satisfied with the commitment, dedication and hard work. We have 18 special forces commandos (team) here that we want to squeeze all out and get what we dream about. Let’s hope our training is reflected in the match.” The Cranes have won their previous two away qualifying matches away to Comoros and Togo (World Cup) with 1-0 scorelines.
Uganda are still looking to qualify for the Nations Cup for the first time since 1978 when they lost 2-0 to Ghana in the final.

AFCON 2017 QUALIFIERS
(Group D); Tonight: Burkina Faso vs Uganda – Ouagadougou, SS9 9pm

Tuesday, March 29
Uganda vs. Burkina Faso
(Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole)

Match Tickets: Shs20, 000 (Ordinary), Shs50,000 (VIP), Shs120,000 (VVIP)
Uganda Cranes Probable XI
Dennis Onyango (goalkeeper), Denis Guma, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Jjuuko, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Khalid Aucho, Tonny Mawejje, Kizito Luwagga, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Massa (captain)

Substitutes: Robert Odongkara, Timothy Awany, , Godfrey Walusimbi, Michael Azira, Moses Oloya, Emmanuel Okwi, Hamis ‘Diego’ Kiiza.

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