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Cranes win but Uganda must monitor today’s
matches involving
Zambia and Algeria
RARELY has a Uganda Cranes Nations Cup triumph
received a mode of introverted joy like yesterday's
3-1 defeat of Niger. Fans were not sure how much
to celebrate a hard earned 3-1 solely owed to
David Obua's big match temperament.
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| WHERE DO WE LIE:
Sserunkuma, Babadi, Massa and Obua ponder.
Daily Monitor photo by Eddie Chicco |
"Are we through?" many asked. Others understandably
expressed their ignorance on Cranes' fate and
inquired unremittingly on when qualification or
failure will be certain.
The answer, at the very earliest, could be today.
But don't throw away your calculators now, the
latest will be October 14.
South Africa hosts Zambia, Uganda's direct rivals
for one of the two remaining best runner up slots.
A draw or victory by the Bafana Bafana is what
Uganda must pray for as a 2-0 Zambian triumph
would almost certainly grant them a berth in Ghana.
Thus Uganda will have to wait for October 14 when
Benin visit Sierra Leone.
Algeria, another qualification adversary, is
visiting Gambia today. If Algeria scores a 4-0
win, the Desert Warriors will have usurped Uganda
on the best runners up table.
Of Benin’s advantage is the fact that they will
travel to Sierra Leone's Freetown on October 12,
knowing the exact mathematics required to qualify.
Scientifically, Burundi is the best placed of
the runner ups, with 6 points and two games left.
If they win both matches, Burundi will make Ghana.
But they play Egypt today in Rwanda's Amahoro
stadium and anything but victory, which is the
likeliest scenario, will knock out the new East
Africans.
Uganda's triumph yesterday summed out the team's
2008 Nations Cup qualification campaign; profligacy,
Obua's classiness, and an nerve-racking home atmosphere.
If Uganda qualifies for a first Nations Cup tournament
later today, it will be down to Obua's finishing
and an impressive home record. Uganda has scored
all eight goals at home, five coming from Obua.
He was not 100% fit yesterday but, like many
big game players, rose to the occasion when needed.
Like the entire team, his conversion rate was
suspect.
He missed free headers and looked pedestrian every
now and then, even after scoring a first minute
penalty.
Yet in the second half, when Namboole stadium
was deflated after Anicet Pascal took advantage
of the most scandalous defending to level matters,
it was Obua who returned delirium with a header
in the 76th minute.
His inch-perfect free kick increased Uganda's
goal difference, qualification chances and decibel
levels but not the assurance of Ghana 2008. So
the maths and prayers continue.
Qualification - whenever ascertained - will be
the sweetest ever. On the other hand, failure
will be most painful.
Today:
Gambia v Algeria
Guinea v Cape Verde
South Africa v Zambia
SS5, 4.00p.m.
Burundi v Egypt
October 14th
Benin v Sierra Leone
- Note: 12 group winners qualify
automatically.
The best three teams shall be determined according
to:
- 1- Higher number of points
- 2- Better goal difference
- 3- Higher no. of goals scored
- 4- Play off game
| |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
| Sudan |
5 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
10 |
2 |
12 |
| Uganda |
6 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
8 |
3 |
11 |
| Togo |
5 |
3 |
0 |
2 |
7 |
7 |
9 |
| Zambia |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
8 |
| Algeria |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
4 |
8 |
| Eritrea |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
8 |
8 |
| Tanzania |
6 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
7 |
8 |
| Eq. Guinea |
5 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
7 |
7 |
| Botswana |
5 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
6 |
7 |
| Burundi |
4 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
| PLAYER RATINGS |
| Denis Onyango....................................
5
Had the best seat in the house although
he did concede
Simeon Masaba ...................................
6
Ventured forward on every possession and
put in some nice crosses.
Nestory Kizito.....................................
6
Quiet game by his usually high standards.
Little adventure
Timothy Batabaire...............................
6
Like Mwesigwa, he had little to do as
Niger barely attacked
Ibrahim Ssekagya................................
6
Skipper didn’t quite control the game
like he did against Nigeria
Noah ‘Babadi’ Kasule...........................
5
Like expected had little to do with Uganda’s
attack
Dan Wagaluka......................................
5
His usual trickery and pace were missing
and delivery was poor
Andy Mwesigwa......................................
6
Had little to do as Niger barely attacked
Geoffrey Sserunkuma...........................
5
Also had a left foot shot saved by the
goolie. Was quite active
Geoffrey Massa....................................
5
Had left foot volley cleared off the line
but was otherwise anonymous
David Obua..........................................
9
What more to say? The big man for the
big occasion
Subs
Hamis Kitagenda 7
Assani Bajope 7
Vicent Kayizi 7
Compiled by Mark Ssali |
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