McKinstry’s task cut out after Burkina tie
Cranes vice captain Hassan Wasswa, midfielder Taddeo Lwanga, Allan Okello and defender John Revita (front row) lead a warm-up session at Lugogo before the trip to Burkina Faso.
PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE
In Sunday’s Afcon qualifier against Malawi at Namboole, Uganda Cranes must rise to the expectations of being one of the group favourites after a less imposing barren draw with Burkina Faso on Wednesday left Group B wide open.
Before the trip to Ouagadougou, Uganda Cranes coach Johny McKinstry had decried the limited time he was given to have with his entire squad.
And the lone day interaction produced an uncoordinated display against Burkina Faso that the 34-year old Northern Irishman must act upon if he is to overwhelm group leaders Malawi that beat South Sudan on the same day.
“We had the fight and desire in the match against Burkina Faso. It is one point and we need to maintain this. We are now looking at the Malawi home game,” McKristry, who maintained 90 per cent of his predecessor Sebastien Desabre’s starting lineup, told the press. Whereas it will be noted as a well-deserved point in McKinstry’s qualification plan of raking in 12 points, Burkina Faso will rue the countless opportunities wasted as they were repetitively in attack but their blunt strike force failed to capitalize on the home advantage.
Missed chances
Jong Ajax‘s Lassina Traore saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Bevis Mugabi in the fifth minute with goalkeeping captain Denis Onyango left for dead.
Kamou Malo’s side had another chance with a free-kick from good scoring position but experienced skipper Charles Kabore sent the set piece over the bar.
Uganda’s best chance of the game came when striker Emmanuel Okwi’s ferocious header from a Faruku Miya corner rattled the crossbar.
McKrinstry’s promise of juggling attacking and cautious approaches will be tested on Sunday in his maiden home game, when he is expected to ring changes that may see the likes of Taddeo Lwanga, William Kizito, Allan Kyambadde, Fahad Bayo and Allan Okello get a chance.
Malawi are expected to check into the country today.
Cameroon 2021 Qualifiers
Wednesday Result
Burkina Faso 0-0 Uganda
Sunday, November 17, Namboole
Uganda vs. Malawi, 4pm
Entry Fees:
Shs20,000 (ordinary), Shs50,000
(VIP) and Shs120,00 (VVIP)
GROUP B
Uganda, B. Faso, Malawi, S. Sudan
