All is set for the long awaited clash between group D table leaders Uganda Cranes and Guinea Bissau as Ugandan smells a possible qualification to the African Cup of nations finals for the first time in over 39 years.

Uganda Cranes players

Cranes Coach Bobby Williamson has already selected the 21 players he expects to beat Guinea Bissau on Saturday and the big promotion for the match will ensure Uganda Cranes get full local support as Ugandans are expecting to pour into Mandela national stadium Namboole in multitudes.

Bobby Williamson’s starting line-up. The story is less likely to change when the Scot names his starting 11 for the return leg of the 2012 Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea Bissau at Namboole on Saturday.
Yet Geoffrey Massa remains an unpopular figure amongst some fans and critics, who accuse him of wastefulness in front of goal.

FUFA Spokesperson Rogers Mulindwa says after the trainings, all cranes palyers are in good form and ready for the match, save for goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, who struggled with an ankle injury although doctors have said he should be able to play on Saturday.

The other concern might be the absence of Cranes Captain Ibrahim Sekajja in the Saturday line up as the skipper will be serving his match ban in the tournament. But Williamson has Isaac Isinde (St. George, Ethiopia), Hassan Wasswa (Atlay, Turkey) and Henry Kalungi (Richmond, US) to replace the instrumental Sekajja.

Uganda must win the match to keep up their hopes of leading the group and ensuring their qualification to the 2012 CAF finals where they last featured in 1978.

Uganda Cranes current lead the group with 7 points, three ahead of Angola and Kenya who also play on Saturday, and four ahead of Guinea Bissau whom the Cranes beat 1-0 at home. Surely the return led in Uganda should be a better day for the Ugandans who rarely loose on home soil.

Ultimate Media