Sande Bashaija and Yasser Kalyango
10 October 2008
On paper, Uganda Cranes need divine intervention to progress to the next phase of the 2010 Africa Cup Nations/World Cup qualifiers but striker Eugene Sseppuuya doesn't believe so.
The lanky striker, who was suspended when Uganda succumbed to a 3-1 loss to Niger last month is back and confident of delivering when the Cranes take on Benin Squirrels at Namboole on Sunday.
"We are tired of being second best. I strongly believe we can score four or five goals to help us qualify irrespective of what happens in Angola," Sseppuuya said after yesterday morning's training session that saw coach Bobby Williamson emphasize target shooting.
"It's a huge mountain for us but all we need is a big crowd to help us climb up to the top," he added. Angola, second in Group Three, ahead of Uganda by goal difference, will be playing Niger on the same day in Luanda and a big win for the hosts could end Uganda's dream.
Uganda last played at the Nations Cup in 1978 and the odds are against Williamson's team. But Sseppuuya is unbothered by the kind of pressure the situation is likely to put on the Cranes.
"It makes it exciting when you play under pressure. That will actually motivate us to score more goals," a confident Sseppuuya stated. "If need be, we'll die on that pitch." When asked which formation could suit his ambition the striker said that the playing system was up the coach, but added that an attack minded one would do.
"We have to understand that we have to score and I am happy that the coach has also emphasised that several times. I am sure he will have several attack minded players," he added. Coach Williamson insisted on delivering at Namboole other than monitoring proceedings in Luanda.
"All the players are doing well and I hope they can maintain the same spirit. The most important thing is getting the goals on Sunday," he said. He said that as much as winning and qualifying were two different things, he has witnessed situations where teams win in games they never expected to win and falter in much easier fixtures.
Benin's contingent of 25 players and officials jetted into the country on Wednesday night with dangerman Razak Omotoyossi on the team.
The other players to watch include Abdou Khaled Adenon, Seydath Tchomogo, Anicent Adjamonsi,Stephane Sessegnon and Omar Tchomogo. The team is residing at Regency Hotel, Bakuli.
SUNDAY
Uganda v Benin
LIVE ON GTV
Angola v Niger
Senegal v Gambia
Guinea v Kenya
Namibia v Zimbabwe
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