Mark Namanya and Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
9 September 2008
Kampala — The moment everyone dreaded; Uganda Cranes returning to convoluted mathematical equations. After the 3-1 thumping in Niamey at the weekend, Uganda's fate is no longer in its hands.
Cranes must beat already-qualified Benin by a cricket score to wipe out Angola's goal advantage.
The Palancas Negras are currently at +3 (Uganda's goal difference is -2, Angola's is +1) and should, barring an upset result, improve that tally when Niger visits next month. Uganda can also reach the qualification frame by defeating Benin at Namboole as long as the Nigeriens achieve the unenviable task of avoiding defeat in Luanda.
Clearly, Uganda's chances of qualification are slim with the odds heavily stacked against a desperate Angola making another mistake at home.
Initial interpretation of rules had given Uganda a glimmer of hope but it now emerges that points against the bottom teams will be cancelled when Caf computes the maths to select the eight best runner ups. And Uganda looks set to finish third and not second. Had Uganda managed a draw in Niger, victory over Benin would suffice.
The head-to-head rule, which would have worked in Uganda's favour against Angola, will be effected in the next round. 32 years of qualification agony look set to continue unless a miracle of bibilical proportions occurs on October 12 in Luanda and Kampala.
October 12
Uganda v Benin
Angola v Niger
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