James Bakama
4 June 2011
THE Uganda Cranes take on Guinea Bissau this weekend well knowing that any result short of a win could bury Uganda’s chances of making it to its first Africa Cup of Nations finals in 31 years.
After several fruitless qualification campaigns, the Cranes have learnt that a clean home record is a must if they are to return to the finals of the continent’s top soccer competition.
“We’ve had financial hardships in the build-up to this match, but that does not rule out the fact that we have to win this match at all costs,” said Federation of Uganda Football Associations president Lawrence Mulindwa.
A clean home record plus at least five points won on foreign territory, is what Uganda is chasing to be confident of qualification.
What Mulindwa wants to avoid this time, is a repeat of the last two qualifiers. Uganda had to painfully be subjected to calculations based on how other teams would perform for Uganda to qualify. On both occasions the mathematics let Uganda down.
“We want to be in charge of our destiny this time. We shall not rely on any country to help us qualify,” stressed Mulindwa adding that “that’s exactly why Guinea Bissau has to fall at Namboole.”
One morale-boosting fact is the argument that if the Cranes could defeat the West African side in a very hostile environment in Bissau, why shouldn’t they register an even bigger victory at Namboole?
The Bissau win, Uganda’s first away win in 11 years, followed a draw against Kenya in Nairobi. A win this weekend and at least a draw against Angola in Luanda in September should have Uganda topping the group and be assured of qualification whatever the result of Uganda’s final match against Harambee Stars.
Beside recent misses, Uganda’s story outside the Nations Cup finals is filled with heartbreaking stories, which were disappointingly largely because of petty infighting. Mulindwa can this time confidently rely on his team to deliver.
That was, however, not the case in 1991. Then SC Villa chairman Patrick Kawooya stopped his players from joining the Cranes because of a disagreement with FUFA over a suspension meted out to his player Paul Hasule.
Kawooya infamously told FUFA: “Mugende mukafiremu (Go slog yourselves through on your own).” The result was another failed qualification attempt.
This was probably one of Uganda’s best chances. But talents like Magid Musisi, William Nkemba, Steven Bogere, Sula Kato and Paul Hasule hadn’t been barred from the team because of football politics.
That SC Villa went on to reach the Africa Club Championship final with Magid Musisi amongst the top scorers, is a strong statement as to what the Cranes missed.
Also still fresh on many Ugandans’ minds are the qualifiers for the next tournament in Tunisia. The Cranes seemed to have finally take charge of their destiny as an opportunity to soar above favourites Nigeria popped up.
The hosts who had made stars like Rashid Yekini, Emmanuel Amunike, Daniel Amokachi and Peter Rufai look ordinary at Nakvubo, got a penalty in the dying minutes. Everyone knew Uganda was through to the finals when penalty specialist Adam Semugabi strode to the spot.
To most Ugandans, not even goalkeeper Peter Rufai’s intimidating stature could ruffle Semugabi.
The country had so much faith in Semugabi that contrary to most penalties that are preceded by tense silence, celebrations this time started as the towering left full back trotted towards the ball. Uganda, however, froze when Semugabi blasted the ball far wide of the mark.
Any loss of points this weekend would reawaken that horrific 1994 experience. Like in 1994, the Cranes have up to this point had one of their best runs. As team captain Ibrahim Sekagya recently observed, most of the hard part has been accomplished.
The Cranes, therefore, just can’t afford to slip. Sekagya, the dynamo that has driven the Cranes in these qualifiers, will however be missing from the team because of a suspension.
Coach Bobby Williamson concedes that in Sekagya, he will miss a pillar, but adds that that shouldn’t be an excuse for the team to waver from its mission. “I am confident the team can still work as a unit to victory. I promise all Ugandans victory.”
AllAfrica – All the Time
Read more here:
Cranes Take On Guinea Bissau