Uganda men’s soccer team, the Cranes have been boosted by the recovery of Scotland-based winger
By George Katongole (Uganda) – Uganda men’s soccer team, the Cranes have been boosted by the recovery of Scotland-based winger David Obua ahead of the weekend home tie in the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cup qualifier against tricky Angola.
Obua, scorer of six goals for the Cranes has been out injured and only featured for his team Hearts in the Scottish League on Sunday for 14 minutes.
Cranes coach Bobby Williamson who named Obua in the 24 man team on Monday says he needs Obua’s services for the team.
Obua together with Serbia-based defender Nestory Kizito had been ruled out because of injury, but the player made an appearance as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against rivals Dundee United on Sunday.
Obua is expected to train with the team on Wednesday.
Cranes skipper who also captains Salzburg in the Austrian League Ibrahim Sekagya will arrive in Kampala on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, South African based custodian, Dennis Onyango and Geoffrey Sserunkuuma trained with the team.
Dennis Onyango has been the number one goal keeper for the Cranes for the last two unsuccessful campaigns since 2006. He left South African giants, Supersport in July this year and moved to AmaZulu.
Onyango is confident of his form ahead of the Saturday clash after missing out on the Sunday game because of work permit issues.
“I have been playing games friendly games and I think my fitness level is not bad. I will give my best in training”.
The Angola national team led by former Manchester United striker Goncalves Manucho is expected in Kampala on Thursday for the Saturday game at Namboole stadium.
Debutant, Joseph Owino who has recently moved to Tanzania, is expected to replace seasoned Timothy Batabaire who was dropped. Owino says it is a tall order but has no option other than putting up his best foot forward.
“There is no better time for me than now. I have learnt from him a lot and loosing at home is not a possibility,” says Owino.
Uganda is grouped together with Angola, Guinea Bissau and archrivals Harambee Stars of Kenya. Uganda last qualified for the continent’s biggest tournament in 1978 when they lost to hosts Ghana in the final.
