Impossible is nothing, says Micho

Micho conducts a training session recently. PHOTO BY E. CHICCO

What you need to know:

  • United for a Ugandan cause. Cranes coach Micho admits Pharaohs, Black Stars and the Eagles are seasoned campaigners but believes in his players’ collective ability. Egypt, Uganda and Ghana are also in the same 2018 World Cup qualifying group.

KAMPALA. Egypt, Ghana and Uganda should perhaps waive each other’s visa fees.
Of course facing off in neutral Port Gentil will not require any visa transactions between the trio, but the rate of dealings lately, and going forward, seems to point to unconditional movement not being a bad pastime. These folks simply cannot get out of each other’s business, and they are not about to.
One country that will have received the latest developments with a cringe is perhaps Ghana, who have lost once and drawn twice in their last three meetings with Uganda. And now, Uganda, Egypt and Ghana come at each other for umpteenth time in Gabon early next year, with Mali – who complete Group D after the draw conducted on Wednesday night in Libreville - the only ‘guest’.
The Cranes, Pharaohs, and Black Stars’ confirmed meet in the Africa Cup of Nations in Port Gentil comes just four months after being drawn in Group E of the 2018 World Cup qualifying.

Return of the Cranes
Returning to the Nations Cup for the first time since 1978, Uganda have already done their trip to Ghana in the road to Russia, picking a priceless point along the way.
The Cranes will now start from where they left when they open their Afcon campaign against Ghana three days after the tournament officially kicks off on January 14.
In seven-time African champions Egypt, Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic does not just come up against a team desperate to make amends after missing the last three Afcon editions, but one that has beaten Uganda 13 in 16 times. The Cranes have won just once – a friendly in 1965.
Avram Grant’s Ghana themselves are desperate to go one better than the runners-up spot they achieved in 1992 and 2012 if they are to win their first title since 1982, while Mali finished third in the 2012 and 2013 editions.
That alone should send one into trepidation, but not a battle-hardened Serbian, the man at the helm of an improved Ugandan side.
“Personally,” Micho, who represented Uganda with Sports Commissioner Omara Apitta at the draw, said, “I believe that impossible is nothing.
“Egypt is hungry after missing out on the last three editions but we are looking forward to playing against them.”
Micho, 47, added: “Mali is also there making it a very tough group. We need to prepare properly in order to be competitive enough.
“(But) we have a surprise and it would be a great proof that we are moving towards a bright future for Ugandan football.”
Uganda’s last appearance at the tournament ended in a 2-0 defeat to hosts Ghana four decades ago, making this encounter even more fascinating.
More fascinating is that the two teams will share the Hotel Du Parc. Mali will be accommodated at Hotel Bamboo while Egypt at the Chez Jimmy.

Group D fixtures
January 17:
Ghana vs Uganda
January 17:
Mali vs Egypt
January 21:
Ghana vs Mali
January 21:
Egypt vs Uganda
January 25:
Egypt vs Ghana
January 25:
Uganda vs Mali