The Cranes of Uganda and the Black Stars of Ghana have it all to do if they are to reach the group stages in Russia in 2018. Anything other than a win for either side, coupled with an Egyptian victory over Congo, would see them exit the qualifiers at the final hurdle with only the group winners assured a place at next years’ World Cup.
Uganda vs Ghana
Saturday, October 7th
Mandela National Stadium, Kampala
Kick-off at 15:00 (3pm)
Uganda will look to take their first major step towards making their first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup by beating Ghana in Kampala on Saturday. The Cranes sit second in Group E after impressive back-to-back 1-0 home wins over Congo and Egypt respectively but following defeat to the Pharaoh’s by the same score-line in Alexandria last month, their fate is now out of their own hands. They need to beat Ghana on Saturday, they will need the Egyptians to drop points at home to Congo and hope that the Black Stars do them a favour in the final round of matches.
The four-time African champions Ghana under head coach and former player James Kwesi Appiah will be hopeful of making their fourth consecutive showing at a World Cup following appearances in 2006, 2010 and 2014, twice reaching the knockout stages. If they are to display their skills in Russia, they will need a miracle starting on Saturday. They have an array of talent with much of their squad plying their trade in the top leagues in Europe and with the likes of Jordan Ayew (Swansea City, England), Christian Atsu (Newcastle United, England) and Asamoah Gyan (Kayserispor, Turkey) in the rankings, all hope is not yet lost. The Black Stars, however, have never beaten The Cranes in a competitive match played on Ugandan soil.
The corresponding game in qualifying was a dull 0-0 draw in the opening round of fixtures in October 2016 before Ghana beat Uganda 1-0 in the opening game in Group D at the African Cup of Nations earlier this year, on their way to the semi-finals.
Uganda vs Ghana Last Seven:
17/01/2017 – Ghana 1-0 Uganda
07/10/2016 – Ghana 0-0 Uganda
15/11/2014 – Uganda 1-0 Ghana
06/09/2014 – Ghana 1-1 Uganda
31/05/2009 – Ghana 2-1 Uganda
04/09/2005 – Ghana 2-0 Uganda
03/07/2004 – Uganda 1-1 Ghana
This will be the 15
th meeting in all competitions, including a trio of friendly victories for Ghana over Uganda, since the countries first clashed back in 1962.
Uganda vs Ghana head-to-head: (all matches)
Games Played: 14
Uganda Wins: 3
Drawn Games: 4
Ghana Wins: 7
Uganda Goals: 9
Ghana Goals: 19