By George Katongole
Uganda and Mali are locked in a fight to advance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup third round with only two matches remaining.
The Uganda Cranes drew twice in their opening two fixtures of the World Cup qualifiers. It was a slow start for the team that is expected to be the best in the East African region.
Following previous successful attempts by qualifying to the Africa Cup of Nations three consecutive times, the Cranes looked sluggish in the opening two games without scoring a goal.
To qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Uganda Cranes must finish top in a group that is currently led by Mali.
This guarantees the Cranes an opportunity to advance to the third round from which the five winners on home and away ties will qualify to the World Cup.
Two back-to-back wins against already eliminated Rwanda, left Uganda sitting second on eight points, two behind leaders Mali.
Uganda was in a spot of bother, following the opening two games of qualifying managing a miserable three points.
The Uganda Cranes had great expectations entering into qualifying, following the return of Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic as coach.
Although the shocking retirement of goalkeeper Denis Onyango was yet to be comprehended with, youngsters Ismail Watenga, Charles Lukwago and Joel Mutakubwa hoped to impress during their time with the national team.
Previous scores
The team opened their qualifying on September 2, 2021, with a scoreless draw against Kenya away in Nairobi.
Both sides missed good opportunities to score with TP Mazembe’s Joseph Ochaya, missing a particularly good chance when he hit a free kick near the box wide.
Four days later, the Cranes hosted Mali at St Mary’s Kitende with Micho fielding a more attacking side.
But the Malians looked dangerous against the hosts after defender Murushid Juuko was shown red with 25 minutes to play.
The goalless draw ended with Micho receiving criticism for sitting back and possessing the ball in their own half most of the time.
Uganda needs all the remaining points to be sure of making it to the next round, while Mali can seal the final spot with a win against another eliminated side, Rwanda before facing Uganda in the final game.
Hopes ahead
The Cranes will be back in action for the final games at home to Kenya on November 11 before wrapping up their campaign on November 14 away to a tough Mali.
Micho is still confident Uganda can change its fortunes, but the little details will surely determine the team’s destiny in this campaign.
There were 40 African nations battling it out for World Cup qualification. These are split into 10 groups of four. But only five of them can go for the international competition.
