Cranes want to wrap it in style

KAMPALA. This match will surely have East Africa and Africa gripped.
One neighbour has it all done and dusted while the other needs help both on and off the National Stadium turf in Dar es Salaam.
No result can have Uganda Cranes mourn this evening, yet any outcome could still leave Tanzania in greater pain.
It is that difficult for the neighbours that on top of Uganda potentially being one of the major reasons they might miss out on Afcon finals Egypt, victory over the Cranes alone may not be enough.
Yet it is the only result they must produce or 1980 remains their only Afcon appearance in history.

Tanzania must beat the Cranes and pray Cape Verde do the same at home to Lesotho for them to qualify. The matches will be played at the same time to avoid any syndication.
“We are playing againt strong opponent but we are ready,” assured Tanzania coach, Nigerian Emmanuel Amunike.
“We are a very strong team especially in front of our supporters.”
The most recent encounter between the two ended goalless in Kampala last year.

Cranes captain Denis Onyango and his coach Sebastien Desabre have already made it clear they want to finish on a high by beating the Stars.
The message has been echoed by one of Uganda’s go-to men Faruku Miya, the last player to enter camp on Thursday.
“We are ready for the task ahead of us on Sunday and I know Tanzania will come with full force wanting to win the match for them to secure qualification,” said the Croatia based forward.
“But we also want to finish on a high. So we shall give it our best shot.”

Miya is expected to string a front three of himself, Emmanuel Okwi and Patrick Kaddu, while Moses Waiswa, anchorman Khalid Aucho and Tadeo Lwanga are the likely midfield trident.
They will have to be at full alert to limit Tanzanian skipper Mbwana Samatta and John Bocco’s attacks on Murushid Jjuuko, Timothy Awany, Godfrey Walusimbi and Nicholas Wadada.

Cranes skipper Onyango, the last line of defence in goal, will be shouting at his front four to ensure Samatta does not get through like he did in Kampala only for the stopper to thwart him.
Tanzania are expected to come at the Cranes in numbers early searching for that quick goal, but they will also be wary of leaving spaces that the visitors could exploit.
It is delicately poised for the hosts. But Cranes, who still have a precious 100 per cent defence record to protect and 13 points - eight ahead of the chasing pack, will surely not lose sleep over any result.

Uganda Cranes probable X1
Denis Onyango, Godfrey Walusimbi, Murushid Jjuuko, Timothy Awany, Nicholas Wadada, Khalid Aucho, Tadeo Lwanga, Moses Waiswa, Faruku Miya, Emmanuel Okwi, Patrick Kaddu

Substitutes: Salim Magoola, Robert Odongkara, Halid Lwaliwa, Joseph Ochaya, Krizestom Ntambi, Sadam Juma, Moses Opondo, Allan Kyambadde, Allan Okello, Muhammad Shaban

Goalkeepers: Aishi Manula (Simab SC), Mechata Mnata (Mbao FC), Aron Kalambo (TZ Prisons), Suleiman Salula (Malindi FC)
Defenders: Vincent Andrew (Young Africans), Kelvin Yondani (Young Africans) Vincent Philipo (Mbao FC), Hassan Kessy (Nkana FC, Zambia), Gadiel Michael (Young Africans), Aggrey Morris (Azam FC), Kennedy Wilson (Singida Utd), Ali Sonso (Lipuli FC)

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