Cranes big dream: Uganda back in the Afcon hunt

Uganda will want to start their Ivory Coast 2023 Afcon qualifying campaign on a good note in Algiers tonight.

The Cranes will also know that the last two times they qualified (Gabon 2017 and Egypt 2019), they had to pick six points away from home.

So expectations are clear although little magic is expected as Uganda come up against Group F favourites, 2019 African champions and Arab Cup reigning kings, Algeria.

Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic and his men, throughout the build-up to tonight’s encounter at the July 5, 1962 Stadium, have been cautious - only hinting at “picking something” from Algiers. 

Two previous draws and a defeat for Uganda in Algeria is perhaps not disastrous for generally known poor travellers, and the Cranes will hope the loss stat stays as is.

Of course avoiding defeat will be the best start to a qualification journey that climaxes March next year.

“In this bracket of two matches, Algeria away and Niger at home (June 8),” said Micho, “we are planning to have three-plus points.” Therein is the story.

Yet even the worst case scenario of defeat will not spell doom for Uganda, unless of course they fail to beat Niger in Kitende next Friday.

The set-up

Micho will understandably approach this cautiously and is expected to field more defensive minded players to try slow down the more agile Algerians. 

Charles Lukwago should start in goal with Elvis Bwomono and either Aziz Kayondo or Isaac Muleme as right and left backs, respectively.

Motherwell’s towering star Bevis Mugabi and Halid Lwaliwa are the natural starters in central defence.

Cranes back four, especially the left wingbacks, will be relieved not to face Manchester City superstar Riyad Mahrez, who sits this one out due to fatigue.

But the herculean task of stopping 33-year-old experienced striker Islam Slimani from Sporting Lisbon remains the reason they will need Khalid Aucho’s defensive prowess in front of the back four.

Bobosi Byaruhanga has had a fairly good season at Vipers, scoring some big goals in the Venoms’ charge to their fifth league title.

The youngster should pick the pieces of what is left and try dictate play going forward whenever the Cranes get a break from the Algerians, who are expected to have most of the ball.

Muleme, if he passes his late fitness test, and Kayondo, will likely provide more cover on the left midfield, with Micho expected to go with Milton Karisa or Allan Kyambadde on the right because of the pair’s offensive and defensive abilities.

This set up will allow Faruku Miya, who is backed up by his previous works for Cranes rather than his recent competitive exploits, if any, to pick his moments if the Algerians switch off.

Micho will then decide whether to lead with Fahad Bayo or Emmanuel Okwi in attack. Bayo, scorer of Uganda last few competitive goals, is younger and more imposing while Okwi is the captain and has been playing regularly in Rwanda.

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi tried to manage expectations back home saying “Uganda haven’t conceded many goals, they are tough, look at their results and their journey.” 

But the Fennec Foxes also know that only maximum points at home will win back their disappointed fans after a disastrous Afcon campaign in Cameroon and the failed World Cup playoffs.

No relief ... No Mahrez, Benrahma

The absence of English Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City and Said Benrahma of West Ham United is a relief to Cranes defence. The duo asked to be rested.

Possible XI

Goalkeeper
Charles Lukwago
Defenders
Elvis Bwomono
Bevis Mugabi
Halid Lwaliwa
Aziz Kayondo
Isaac Muleme
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho
B. Byaruhanga
Faruku Miya
Milton Karisa

Forward

Fahad Bayo

Goalkeepers
Nafian Alionzi
Giousue Bellagambi 

Defenders

Gavin Kizito 
Enoch Walusimbi
Musa Ramathan
Hakim Kiwanuka
Midfielders
Allan Kyambadde
Derrick Kakooza
Steven Serwadda
Forwards
Martin Kizza
Begisa James 
Marvin Youngman
M. Shaban
Emmanuel Okwi