Uganda Kobs target healthy margin against South Sudan

Familiar tormentor. Uganda’s U-20 Captain Julius Poloto was part of the squad that put South Sudan to the sword at Startimes Stadium last year. Photo by Eddie Chicco

What you need to know:

  • League top scorer Joel Madondo could get the nod upfront with Allan Okello, Shafik Kagimu Julius Poloto Mahad Kakooza and Lawrence Bukenya playing behind him.
  • With little known about South Sudan, the Kobs will target a healthy first leg lead ahead of the return leg next week.

KAMPALA. The Uganda Kobs host South Sudan this evening in the first leg of the 2019 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifier first round against South Sudan at the StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo.

But as the teams face off, it is difficult for all parties concerned to ignore recent meetings between the two nations.

A cursory glance indicates overwhelming superiority for the Ugandan side that has recorded heavy victories from the underage competitions to the seniors.

The national Under 17 side Cubs thrashed their counterparts 6-1 in the Cecafa championships held two months ago in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Earlier, the Under-20 side recorded an 8-1 on aggregate win in the Caf U-20 qualifiers – preliminary round that included a 5-1 thrashing also at Lugogo.

Last year, the two teams played out a goalless draw in South Sudan before Paul Mucurezi’s four-goal haul inspired a 5-1 rout in the second round of the African Nations Championship second round qualifiers.
“We know we have to win the games both home and away to see that we progress,” midfielder Abel Eturudde said.

Questions will however arise on how the coaches assemble the team considering the number of options at their disposal.
At the back Patrick Mbowa and Ronald Musana could start in central defense wth Bashir Asiku and Geoffrey Wasswa more than capable options.

League top scorer Joel Madondo could get the nod upfront with Allan Okello, Shafik Kagimu Julius Poloto Mahad Kakooza and Lawrence Bukenya playing behind him.

With little known about South Sudan, the Kobs will target a healthy first leg lead ahead of the return leg next week.
The winner of the tie will play Tunisia in the penultimate round.