Kampala — IF the character of team leaders is supposed to offer a true reflection of the team's entire aspirations, then the Cranes could be good for a result against Benin on Sunday.

Were it to be any other match, Cranes captain Ibrahim Sekagya would have succumbed to a knee injury picked up last week and not considered playing after anti-inflammatory pain relieving treatment.

But such is the magnitude of Sunday's World Cup qualifier that the Red Bulls Salzburg defender, who returns to the country tonight, will go through the pain barrier.

Sekagya injured his right ankle during last week's UEFA Cup match against Spanish side Sevilla and had to seat out his club's 1-0 win over Rapid Vienna on Sunday.

The Salzburg 2008 player of the year has since gathered five goals this season at club level.

He is expected to be at his most imposing at the heart of defense if Cranes are to shackle an attacking Benin side led by Razak Omotoyossi.

Sweden-based midfielder Mike Sserumagga was part of the Cranes side that trained yesterday and were joined in the evening by the South Africa-based trio of Timothy Batabaire, Geoffrey Sserunkuuma and Posnet Omony.

The odds are firmly-placed against the Cranes, who ideally need to thump the Squirrels and hope Angola falter.

Fortunately, Angola is a team in crisis. The 2010 Nations Cup hosts are without a permanent head coach following the untimely resignation of long-time coach Olivera Goncalves.

Williamson okays coaches

While Angola struggle to identify Goncalves' perfect replacement, Cranes boss Robert Williamson feels the appointment of assistants Sam Simbwa and Jackson Mayanja would add priceless value to the Cranes bench on Sunday.

"It's a tough game. The two coaches were appointed with my knowledge and I will need them for such an important game," Williamson said on phone yesterday. He returns from his father's funeral before the game

Sserumagga is now key

While Hearts star David Obua has been excluded from the Benin fixture with a thigh injury, Sweden-based youngster Sserumaga has been waiting in the wings itching to make an indelible impact in a more attacking position.

"I would prefer to play behind the main striker at 10. That's where you will see my real potential," Sserumagga hinted.

In Cranes' three previous matches, Sserumagga has started at the heart of midfield and not in the 'hole', because to stand any chance of winning a first team place in his preferred central position, the precocious 19-year-old had to oust Obua.

Manucho returns

Manchester United striker Manucho could make his first World Cup qualifying appearance for Angola after he was named in their squad for Sunday's Group Three qualifier against Niger following a return from injury.

Sunday, 4pm

Uganda v Benin