Guirassy threat looms for changing defence

Guirassy, who has been in red-hot form this season with an impressive tally of 10 goals in 16 Champions League outings and 14 goals in 22 Bundesliga appearances, poses a major threat to Uganda’s qualification hopes.

The Belgian tactician will have to choose his central defensive pairing from a pool of Gavin Kizito (KCCA), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine), Toby Shibbick (Wigan), and Vipers’ rising prospect Rogers Torach.

With the Namboole floodlights set to illuminate the clash, the Cranes’ restructured defence must demonstrate tactical discipline, communication, and resilience to silence Guirassy and his attacking cohorts.

Resolute

Beyond the Guirassy menace, Guinea’s head coach Michel Dussuyer boasts an array of attacking firepower.

Though the Syli National will be without Antwerp’s lethal forward Mohammed Bayo - who found the net in their 2-1 victory over Uganda in Morocco - and injury-stricken former Liverpool and Werder Bremen midfielder Naby Keita, they remain a formidable offensive unit capable of unsettling Uganda’s newly assembled backline.

With Guinea (six points) sitting fourth and Cranes (six points) fifth in Group G led by Algeria (nine points), the Namboole showdown promises a stern test for Put’s defensive improvisation and Uganda’s World Cup aspirations.

Awany-Mugabi pact

Put’s preferred central defensive pairing against Guinea is likely to be the gangly but slow-paced Mugabi alongside the battle-hardened former KCCA defender Awany.

While the duo offers aerial dominance and physical presence, they must stay wary of Guirassy’s distinctive striking instincts- attributes that recently had European giants Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly vying for his signature before he ultimately chose a move from Stuttgart to Borussia Dortmund, where he is flourishing under Niko Kovač.

For starters, the 29-year-old towering forward is a quintessential target man in every sense.

His aerial prowess makes him a constant threat on set pieces, and he thrives with his back to goal, holding off defenders before linking up play.

However, what sets Guirassy apart is his ability to turn sharply and dribble past markers when given space - an uncommon trait for strikers of his physique.

His lethal instincts inside the box make him a nightmare for defenders, particularly in tight situations where he can capitalize on half-chances. That said, like most traditional target men, Guirassy’s effectiveness wanes when deprived of service in the final third.

For the Cranes' backline, denying him space and cutting off supply lines will be crucial to keeping him silent at Namboole.

Mamba test

First things first, before facing Guirassy and Guinea in Kampala, Uganda’s restructured backline must first navigate the challenge posed by Mozambique’s experienced attacking force on March 20 in Cairo.

The Mambas boast a dynamic frontline featuring Clésio Bauque, Geny Catamo, Elias Macamo, Kélvio Neves, and Germany-based forward Stanley Ratifo.

Keeping them at bay will require Put to make precise selections, not only in central defence but also in the fullback positions.

At right-back, he will have to choose between the versatile Ssemakula and the conservative Elvis Bwomono, while at left-back, the battle for a starting spot will be between the tested Isaac Muleme and the energetic Aziizi Kayondo.

"The entire team is crucial. We do not have irreplaceable top-level players. We are missing Halid Lwaliwa, Elio Capradossi, and Arnold Odongo through injury, who are key in defence, but Uganda’s strength lies in collective effort and mentality," Put revealed.

His emphasis on teamwork highlights the Cranes’ take no prisoners approach to these back-to-back World Cup qualifiers, where defensive discipline and organization will be paramount in both Cairo and Kampala.

2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers

Group G

Thursday: Mozambique vs. Uganda, 4pm

March 25: Uganda vs Guinea, 7pm

Uganda Cranes defenders

Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren , Scotland), Gavin Kizito (KCCA ), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech), Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech) , Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Toby Shibbick (Wigan AFC, England), Rogers Torach (Vipers)

Match officials

Center referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)

First assistant: Boris Ditsoga (Gabon)

Second assistant: Carine Fomo (Cameroon)

Fourth official: Cregue Fleury Moukagni (Gabon)