Ghana host Uganda at the Tamale Sports Stadium in the opening group E fixture of the World Cup qualifiers on Friday 7th October 2016.
The Black stars will play an inspired Uganda Cranes who made history by qualifying for a first Afcon tournament since 1978, edging Comoros 1-0 on 4th September, 2016 to book their ticket to Gabon.
Ghana are instilled as slight favourites in Group E with fierce competition expected from Egypt but Uganda are no push overs according to Ghana coach Avram Grant.
The Black Stars are looking for a World Cup appearance scheduled for Russia in 2018 and Grant labeled the Cranes as being ‘very good’ a head of their game.
He told CAFOnline.com that “we are starting the journey again to (Russia) and the game is very difficult. I know the result in the last Africa Cup of Nations qualification which they Uganda qualified and it was very symbolic for them.
“They are a very good side but we always want to show that we are strong. I don’t think it will be an easy game but our target is the same – to win and to do everything to be in Russia.
“It is a group stage, so the most important… it’s a very tough group all the teams can qualify but we have our own wishes. We are playing against a very strong side and so the most important thing is that we will be ready on Friday”.
Ghana are without injured influential duo, Kwadwo Asamoah and Andre Ayew but Ghana captain Asmoah Gyan is fit to play.
Meanwhile Tonny Mawejje who scored the goal when the Cranes last visited Ghana says that sealing qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be a dream for his Nation.
“When you look at the qualification, we don’t play different teams from those we face in AFCON qualifiers,” he argued.
“It’s the same teams and that gives us courage and hope that if we do work hard and together as a team, we can achieve the dream,” he added.
Uganda will look to Denis Onyango in goal to curb Ghana’s threats since he is one of Africa’s most experienced goalkeepers.
The game between Ghana and Uganda will be played at 6:30 pm (East African Time)
Facts about Ghana and Uganda clash:
- The last time Ghana beat Uganda was on September 04, 2005 in the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The game ended 2-0 and the Black Stars went on to qualify for Germany 2006.
- Since 2002, the two teams have met 7 times (including friendly). Ghana have won twice as many Uganda while the rest have been stalemates.
- Overall, the two nations have met 12 times. Ghana hold advantage with 6 wins, 3 losses and 3 draws.
- Ghana has played at three World Cup finals (2006, 2010 and 2014) while Uganda have never played at the finals.
- Besides Uganda and Ghana, the other members in the group are Egypt and Congo Brazzaville.
Black Stars probable XI
Braimah/ Kwarasey; Afful, Rahman, Boye, Jona Mensah; Wakaso, Atsu, Acheampong, Acquah; J.Ayew, A.Gyan
Uganda cranes probable XI
Denis Onyango, Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Joseph Ochaya, Khalid Aucho, Tony Mawejje, Moses Oloya, Kizito Luwagga, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Massa