More history beckons

What you need to know:

Soccer. Uganda could confirm their slot at the June 2019 Nations Cup finals in Cameroon with a match to spare today if they do just enough for a point against Cape Verde, but the Cranes have vowed to go for all three points

KAMPALA. Today could as well be it. It could be the first time for him in charge of a senior national team, and a maiden one for several players as they edge closer to it.
Today could be the day Uganda qualify for the Nations Cup finals successively for the first time since the 1974, 1976 and 1978 editions, and the first time Sebastien Desabre is achieving the feat at the first time of asking.
It could as well be the day the likes of Emmanuel Okwi, who is out of this Afcon qualifier against Cape Verde this afternoon through suspension, Moses Waiswa, Derrick Nsibambi and Allan Kateregga among others edge closest to achieving their dream of playing at the finals.
And what do they need? One point! Just one point that would see them qualify in a campaign that has been overseen by two head coaches.
Micho Sredojevic kicked the Cranes off with a 1-0 away head-start in Cape Verde, with veteran Geoffrey Sserunkuma, who has since fallen out of favour, scoring the only goal last year. Desabre, who took on the baton late last year has overseen a point off Tanzania and a five-goal home and away victories over Lesotho, always believed even when a section of Ugandans were up in arms after the Taifa Stars draw at Namboole.
“We need 10 points and need to win our next two matches and we shall qualify,” he said, then. Now they can go for everything.
“We want to finish on a high by beating Cape Verde at home and winning the East African derby (against Tanzania) in Dar es Salaam and the boys are ready. But we do not underestimate Cape Verde,” assured Cranes captain Denis Onyango.
The Cape Verde delegation touched down in the country yesterday and is accommodated at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
Cape Verde, coached by Rui Aguas, have six Portuguese-based players in their squad and have the ability to cause the Cranes trouble.
With the absence of suspended Okwi, Milton Karisa could return to the starting line-up, with Edris Lubega retaining his role up top following an impressive display against Lesotho in the 3-0 victory at Namboole.
Faruku Miya, scorer of three of the five goals against Lesotho, will again be at the centre of the craft for the Cranes alongside Waiswa.
The Cranes top Group L on 10 points, five ahead of second placed Tanzania, who face Lesotho, and six Cape Verde. The top two will qualify for the finals in Cameroon.

Cranes probable XI
Denis Onyango, Godfrey Walusimbi, Murushid Jjuuko, Hassan Wasswa, Nicholas Wadada, Khalid Aucho, Denis Iguma, Faruku Miya, Moses Waiswa, Milton Karisa, Edrisa Lubega

Substitutes: Jamal Salim (El Meriekh), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC), (Onduparaka FC), Isaac Isinde (Kirinya Jinja SS), Timothy Awanyi (KCCA FC), Isaac Muleme (Haras El Hodood), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe),Ibrahim Saddam Juma (KCCA FC), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers SC), Allan Kateregga (Cape Town City), Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC), Derrick Nsibambi (Smouha) and Patrick Kaddu (KCCA FC).