Angola in Uganda ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier

Kampala, June 15 (IANS): The Angola ‘Palancas Negras’ vowed to win against the Uganda ‘Cranes’ ahead of their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying game at the Mandela National Stadium here.

The Angola team arrived in Uganda late Thursday with coach Gustavo Ferrin warning they were here for a win. Last week Angola were held to a 1-1 draw against Senegal while Uganda beat Liberia 1-0, reports Xinhua.

Ferrin will be hoping that Guilherme Afonso finds his scoring form on Saturday just like he did against table leaders Senegal.

The likes of Fabricio Mafuta, Adwa Mokanga and Jose Pedro Alberto are also likely starters for Angola.

The Uganda Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic said his team must hunt for early goals.

“We must take our chances because it is a crucial tie that means a lot in the campaign,” said Sredojevic.

The Cranes will be hoping that striker Emmanuel Okwi passes a fitness test while first-choice goalkeeper Dennis Onyango is a likely starter after his knee injury was discovered to be light.

Uganda are currently in second place in Group J with five points. Senegal, who play away to Liberia this weekend, lead the group with six points while Angola and Liberia have four points each.