Micho plays down inexperience as Kobs face Mozambique test
Attacking midfielder Miya will lead Kobs as they seek to keep their All Africa Games campaign on the rails in Maputo today. Photo by Eddie Chicco
What you need to know:
SOCCER. The midfield is what appears to be Micho’s strongest department with captain Miya, former KCC player Kiwanuka, the enterprising Kizito, Nkuubi and Achema all offering options
Kampala.
The main aim when Uganda’s under 23 side - the Kobs - take on their Mozambican counterparts in Maputo today will be keeping the tie alive ahead of the return leg in a fortnight.
And the fairly experienced goalkeeper Ismail Watenga, midfielders Gadaffi Kiwanuka and skipper Miya Farouk should provide the necessary lead to the hugely inexperienced teammates given that the trio are the only players on team that travelled for this All Africa Games first round first leg qualifier with an idea of what to expect in a competitive away game.
However, Micho Sredojevic, who also doubles as Cranes coach, remains confident his side can pull off a favourable result ahead of the Kampala leg.
“It (experience) is sometimes a worry but at this level not so many teams have many experienced players” the Serbian reasoned.
“The players have been responding well in training and that gives me belief we can overcome the opposition.”
Despite the optimism, it was evident his preparations were disrupted by the fact that he had to make late changes to his squad with Abdul-Karim Kasule and Hashim Sempala replacing Julius Malingumu and Tadeo Lwanga for the game.
Late changes
The pair were drafted in after Fufa failed to secure passports for Malingumu and Lwanga in time. Micho is expected to start with Watenga in goal while Police’s Sadat Kyambadde should marshal the back four.
The midfield is what appears to be Micho’s strongest department with captain Miya, former KCC player Kiwanuka, the enterprising Kezironi Kizito, Brian Nkuubi and Robert Achema all offering options.
Upfront, Umar Kasumba and Villa Oromchan are the only available options for the Serbian tactician.
Kobs will be up against a Mozambican side that featured for the first time at the continental games as hosts of the last edition in 2011.
The winner of the tie after the two legs shall take on Ghana for a place in Congo Brazzaville in September.
PROBABLE LINE UP
Isma Watenga, Brian Ochwo, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Shafiq Bakaki, Sadat Kyambadde, Farouk Miya (captain), Keziron Kizito, Gadafi Kiwanuka, Brian Nkuubi, Robert Achema, Umar Kasumba
ALL AFRICA GAMES QUALIFIERS
Today at 4.30pm in Maputo
First leg: Mozambique vs. Uganda
