Cranes expect full-strength Taifa Stars team for CAN tie
Cranes and Tanzania’s Simba defender Murushid Juuko, however, says they are not affected by that uncertainty and are ready for any team called Tanzania that reports for duty on Saturday. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- Soccer. There is talk that the said temporary ban of six Simba players and one from Yanga by Tanzania soccer authorities could yet be a psychological ploy meant only to keep Uganda guessing but coach Emmanuel Amunike insists they are out of the clash
- He will come up against yet another top forward in Taifa Stars’ Mbwana Samatta, who scored a hat-trick recently as Genk downed Brondby of Denmark in a Europa League qualifier, on Saturday.
KAMPALA. The last time Uganda and Tanzania faced off in the Africa Cup of Nations qualification Mandela National Stadium, Namboole - Saturday’s match venue - was not in place, and the current squads of the two sides were just starting out in life. Then, 23 years ago, it was Philip Obwiny and Joseph Mutyaba’s goals in either half at Nakivubo that handed coach Polly Ouma’s men a 2-0 victory over danger-man Edibily Lunyamila’s Tanzania.
Game of firsts
This week Nigerian legend and Tanzania coach Emmanuel Amunike leads his charges to Kampala to face Frenchman and Uganda tactician Sebastien Desabre’s men in a clash of newbies - from the playing staff to both sets of players.
It will be Desabre’s first game at home since replacing Micho Sredojevic last December and also Amunike’s first assignment as Tanzania coach.
Amunike has hardly started his tenure smoothly, the celebrated retired Super Eagle banning six Simba players and one from Yanga – two Tanzanian biggest and most influential clubs - from this encounter for reportedly failing to report to camp in time.
Are they coming?
“All of the players I’ve selected can feature in my team,” insisted Amunike, adding that while the seven players’ indefinite ban has been relaxed for the future, they will still miss the Kampala trip.
The players include Erasto Nyoni, Jonas Mkude, Shiza Kichuya, Hassan Dilunga, Shomari Kapombe, John Bocco and Feisal Salum ‘Fei Toto’.
Yet talk still abounds that this could all be some game being played out in Dar es Salaam to keep Uganda guessing, and that actually, the reportedly banned players could be on the plane to Kampala.
Cranes and Tanzania’s Simba defender Murushid Juuko, however, says they are not affected by that uncertainty and are ready for any team called Tanzania that reports for duty on Saturday.
“For all we know is that we are playing Tanzania national team,” said Juuko,”We expect a full team.
“Whether the squad is full or without the said banned players, we are a better team than them. I know their ability but we are ready for them. We have prepared very well and we are ready.”
Juuko has faced some of Africa’s best strikers including Emmanuel Adebayor and Mohamed Salah.
He will come up against yet another top forward in Taifa Stars’ Mbwana Samatta, who scored a hat-trick recently as Genk downed Brondby of Denmark in a Europa League qualifier, on Saturday.
“I have played against very many good forwards better than Samatta,” said the bold Juuko, “So I will handle him.” On his part, Taifa Stars coach Amunike has asked his players not to take Uganda for granted.
“Playing Uganda will be very interesting,” said the Nigerian coach, “We know that it will not be an easy match. We’ll put lots of emphasis on our teamwork.”
The Taifa Stars are seeking their first appearance at Afcon finals since 1980 while Uganda are bidding to make it two in a row.
AFCON QUALIFIER 2019
GROUP L - Saturday, September 8, 2018
Uganda vs. Tanzania 4pm
Mandela National Stadium, Namboole
Charges: 15,000/- (Ordinary), 40,000/-
(VIP), 150,000/- (VVIP)
