All eyes will be on head coach Sebastien Desabre to see who he will name in his first eleven that will conquer neighbours DR Congo at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt as Uganda Cranes start their 2019 AFCON.
Desabre, prior to this encounter, said that it will be important to win this game and set a tone for the remainder if the side will be able to come out of the group.
There is no room for errors, that we can confirm.
The Frenchman has already shown that he obeys the 4-4-2 system, and I don’t expect it to be any different. Here is the team’s probable XI
The Goalkeeping department:
Goalkeeper – Denis Onyango – This is the easiest pick for obvious reasons. We go in Egypt as Onyango being our best player and deservedly the best in that position on the continent. His command, experience and game reading puts him up there on merit.
The Four defenders
Right back – Bevis Mugabi – He is actually suited for a centre back and his height says it all but Desabre has seen something else in this tall Yeovil Town back. He has played him on the right on many occasions and surprisingly, Bevis has delivered. He doesn’t give you much going forward, but his exposure in England will be key after all most of Congo’s danger men have had stints in the UK.
Left back. Godfrey Walusimbi – Unlike his counterpart at Mugabi, Jaja Walu as he is called back at home, gives you much going forward. He is a rock and well suited for those battles against the likes of Youssef Mulumbu.
Centre back pairing – Hassan Wasswa and Murushid Jjuuko: This pair has chemistry between themselves and this closes out Timothy Awany’s chances of showcasing his abilities at a bigger stage despite having a great season with KCCA FC. juuko can fight for the ball while Hassan Wasswa will use his physique and size to scare away Yannick Bolasie and Cedric Bakambu.
Midfielders
The two centre halfs – Khalid Aucho and William Kizito Luwagga: Aucho is a water Carrier. He will be needed to provide curtain to the defence especially that Uganda may not enjoy possession more. Luwagga is a surprise inclusion and I will not be scared if he starts from the bech. However, Shakhter Karagandy boy is one of the most talented on the team. He will be key if Uganda is to break Congo’s defence.
The Wide men: Abdul Lumala and Emmanuel Okwi – Many have already tipped Lumala to take this tourney by storm and you can’t blame them, he is very trickery and can beat off defenders with ease. Okwi will be needed to play while cutting inside, the style which he has mastered for ages.
The Striking Line
The twin: Patrick Kaddu and Farouk Miya – The two will be given the country’s weight for a goal. Kaddu scored the needed goal that brought Uganda here as the side sealed qualification with a game to spare. Miya, former Vipers star now at HNK Gorica had scored against Comoros a year before to break Uganda’s AFCON jinx of about 38 year wait.
Squad in Brief: Denis Onyango, Murushid Juuko, Hassan Wasswa, Godfrey Walusimbi, Bevis Mugabi, Khalid Aucho, William Kizito Luwagga, Emmanuel Okwi, Abdu Lumala, Henry Kaddu, Farouk Miya.
