Uganda: Seven More Points Will Deliver History

Andrew Mwanguhya

28 March 2011

If we were to give a gong for best player of Uganda’s campaign after three games so far, it would take a tough call between forward David Obua and goalkeeper Dennis Onyango.

Obua, Cranes’ lead scorer with two goals, broke the deadlock against Angola in Kampala and Guinea Bissau on Saturday – when the ball kept eluding the opponents’ net. For all three games – including the one in Kenya – Onyango, with immeasurable help from his front four and the midfield, has performed wonders to the script, as well as saving a penalty from Zezinho to ensure the country’s first qualifying away win in West Africa.

The warming team-play exhibited up until now should just continue and coach Bobby Williamson’s screenplay not stop. Uganda’s one nil result puts the country in an even more pole position on seven points, Kenya three points off the pace at four, Guinea Bissau and Angola on three.

“We have won and it’s fantastic,” said a jubilant Bobby, “All the players have put in a lot of effort. They know they owe the nation and have put their bodies on line today.”

And put their bodies on the line they did. Apparently, before skipper Ibrahim Sekagya was booked for a handball, his defensive partner Andy Mwesigwa – aware the Salzburg defender was a booking away from suspension – pleaded guilty on Sekagya’s behalf but Burkina Faso referee Llboudou Serge insisted he had seen the offender. Consequently, Sekagya will miss the return leg in June.

What next?

Thirty four years is too long a time. And very often Uganda have come close only for calculator sellers to go into business. But never before in the last three decades have the Cranes been in this position after three games.

Now the Cranes simply have to win their home games against Guinea Bissau (June 4) and Kenya (October 8), and draw in Angola. Seven clean points and 14 overall.

Cranes can even afford a loss in Angola and still go through with two home wins, making 13 points. If the above happens, Kenya will get 10 points with wins over Bissau and Angola away. Either of Angola and Bissau can manage only nine.

But it’s not a guarantee Cranes will win all their home games but just one loss since the inception of Namboole in 1997, tells a story. “Let’s not lose the footing,” warned Bobby’s assistant Moses Basena, “But I think this is the moment.”

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