The message from Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic when Uganda entertain Ghana in a crucial Nations Cup qualifier tomorrow at Namboole will not differ much from when the two faced off in the 1-1 stalemate in Kumasi

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Of course pressure was on the hosts back in September as the group stage campaign kicked off, a strain that has shifted to Uganda, who must win to stay in with a qualification chance.

On the stroke of half time in Kumasi, the man who ensured Uganda’s priceless away point – Tonny Mawejje - adequately controlled Kizito Luwagga’s low cross from the right before beautifully turning on the edge of the box to send a drifting shot past Fatau Dauda.

Mawejje, mid 20s, takes in the pleasure of netting the goal before Andre Ayew levelled from the spot, but insists that it is tomorrow’s business that matters now.

“You know football is situational,” he told Daily Monitor ahead of last evening’s training, “I couldn’t shoot with a first touch because I had been pressed, so, that dribble was relevant.

“But anyway to me that doesn't count anymore. Yes it was a great goal but that’s history now and I’m just looking forward to making great results starting on Saturday.”

Yet Mawejje knows they must display an even more competitive spirit than they did in Kumasi, and that the coach is asking them to go a step further by winning; by showing the highly rated Ghanaians that Ugandan players can beat the best.

“Like in Kumasi, he is emphasizing so much on expressing ourselves on field of play because Ugandans are just unlucky not have great agents and opportunities to play in big leagues where these guys play,” said Mawejje, “He is telling us ‘go and show your qualities.’
“We just need to be on top of our game. I mean if everyone performs to their best nothing will hinder us. It’s just a question of everyone throwing everything on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Ghana were due in at dawn today. They have been booked into Grand Imperial Hotel and will train from Namboole this evening.

Reports from Ghana indicate that the team will be airlifted back to Ghana immediately after tomorrow’s match.
Ghana top Group E with eight points, Togo are on six and Uganda and Guinea on four apiece with two games left. The top two automatically qualify.

2015 Afcon qualifying fixtures
Tomorrow, Nov 15, 2014
Uganda vs Ghana, Namboole, 4pm

Uganda-Ghana head-to-head
Played – 11 (six of them in competitive matches)
Uganda wins: 2 (1 competitive, the other an invitational)
Ghana wins: 6 (2 competitive, the other friendlies and invitationals)
Draws: 3 (all competitive)

GROUP E STANDINGS
Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ghana  4     2 2 0 8   5       +3     8
Togo   4     2 0 2 5 5          0      6
Uganda  4  1 1 2 3 3           0     4
Guinea 4   1  1 2 4 7          -3     4