Moses Basena insists Uganda Cranes will not let their surprise 2-1 defeat to Madagascar on Wednesday (today) derail their intentions to defeat Ghana this weekend.
Ahead of Saturday’s crunch 2018 World Cup qualifying match with Ghana at Namboole, Basena needed to test his men with two key absences of suspended Murushid Juuko and Khalid Aucho.
But the final outcome does not make for good reading especially after losing Romanian based midfielder William Luwagga Kizito to injury in the first half.
Midfielder Muzamiru Mutyaba gave the Cranes an early lead in the 29th minute at the StarTimes Stadium Lugogo but Rio Carlous Anorianaicinos, who was a menace to Uganda’s defenders all evening equalised just four minutes into the second half before he won the game for the visitors with two minutes of regulation time to play.
In spite of the setback, Basena is adamant the Cranes could not afford to dwell on the defeat as they look to get results off Ghana this weekend.
“Friendly games give you an idea of what is to come,” Basena said. “We are not in the position to be looking at that result; we just have to concentrate on ourselves. We still have to play important World Cup qualifying games so we will take that at this stage, we’re more than capable of getting the results we need.”
That said, Basena reckons the Cranes need to lift their game if they are to drag themselves over the line.
Uganda heads into the Saturday game in the second place trailing leaders Egypt by two points and Basena’s side can keep their chances with a win over Ghana before the final game against bottom-placed Congo.
UGANDA CRANES XI:
Ismail Watenga (GK), Denis Iguma, Godfrey Walusimbi, Savio Kabugo, Isaac Isinde, Tony Mawejje, Hassan Wasswa, Luwagga Kizito, Muzamiru Mutyaba , Edirisa Lubega & Joseph Ochaya.
Important Info:
Group E fixtures
Saturday 7 October
Uganda vs. Ghana – Mandela National Stadium, 4:00 PM
Sunday 8 October
Egypt vs. Congo – Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria, 8:00 PM
