LIVE from Cranes Camp: Team calm and optimistic ahead of Ghana clash

PORT GENTIL.

Security is on hand to ensure no pictures are taken as this reporter pulls out his Nikon camera, but after quick exchanges suffocated between French and English we are allowed to capture a few shots at Hotel du Parc.

Uganda and Ghana, Group D’s first 2017 Nations Cup match, are sharing this hotel. Ugandan midfield player Khalid Aucho is seen walking from one cottage to another as security ensures my colleagues and I only go to the restaurant.

But before we proceed, Cranes assistant coach Moses Basena walks past, a white towel on his shoulders.
“I’m going for a workout but we are set. The boys are ready. Let’s go and do our best,” he says.

At the restaurant, Fufa president Moses Magogo and some members of his executive are lost in thought, perhaps balancing a few figures or sharing feelings.
Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic - in matching black shorts and shirt - is chatting with us.

“Right now there is not much to say,” says the Serbian, “It is just focus. We are just focused on the match against Ghana and looking forward to it.”

In three matches against Ghana, Micho has registered two draws and one win. He will hope to register another victory or at least avoid defeat as Uganda mark a return to the Nations Cup for the first time in 39 years.

Meanwhile, both teams fans have been flocking Port Gentil for the last three days and tonight’s matches at Stade de Port Gentil are some of the most anticipated.

After Uganda play Ghana, Egypt will confront Mali in the other group match. The Cranes face Egypt next on Saturday and finish their group assignment, Mali, next week.

Uganda vs Ghana kicks off at 7pm and with just over two hours away, a few fans have started trickling in. Uganda need to avoid defeat in their opener to stand any realistic chances of progressing from the group. Only the top two teams from the four groups progress to the last eight.

Tonight's Afcon matches
Uganda vs Ghana, 7pm
Egypt vs Mali, 10m