Let Cranes Deliver
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Saturday Vision, September 8, 2012 African Cup of Nations 5 Comment LET CRANES DELIVER Aldrine Nsubuga THE GOLDEN JUBILEE even months ago, Zambians lift the African trophy granted the wish. It’s Zambia is going to do their best to avoid Ugandans could have aloft. Happy on one side, sad on the versus Uganda. One qualifier, two defeat. When goal keeper Den- been mistaken for other. games. Only one winner. nis Onyango was asked in one of Zambians. Millions Many reasoned thus: “If Zambia Two buses, one flight this week. the final training sessions how he stayed glued on their can, Uganda can,” citing genetic The size of Uganda Cranes fans felt having the prospect of facing Stelevision sets cheer- similarities and tribal relatedness to who have dared the trip to Zambia Zambia’s hotshots, he was confi- ing for their regional explain Uganda’s potential. On the for the final qualification match dent: “We all play the same game, neighbours in the AFCON 2012 reverse side, some Ugandans were for the AFCON 2013 finals at kick the same ball and use the same final against the star studded Cote saddened that a neighbour with the Levi Mwanawasa stadium in pitch. No reason at all to fear,” he d’Ivoire. whom we had grown together had Ndola. Not a rarity in Ugandan said. Zambia won and Ugandans emphatically shown us the disparity football but significant never- After all, a week ago, the Cranes celebrated. This was a victory for between our football standards. theless. The Chipolopolo are the flew to Botswana and played a the East and Central African All we still talk about is defending African champions and friendly game which ended goal- region (CECAFA) as much 1978, the last time this is the game they must win less, a reminder that defending as it was for COSAFA. Uganda featured to give themselves a chance to is still a big strength of the team. Zambia, just like in the AFCON defend a most unlikely trophy. They There was a time when the absence Malawi, Zanzibar, and the final won it after embarrassing African of Ibrahim Sekagya and Nestroy .........Bobby Malawi, Tanzania, appearance heavyweights Senegal, Ghana and Kizito would spell disaster for the Kenya, Sudan and against Cote d’Ivoire along the way. Now Cranes. No problem. In Andy Ethiopia used to Gha- Uganda stand in their way to return Mwesigwa, Simeon Masaba, Ivan Williamson frequently face na, on the big stage which won them Bukenya, Godfrey Walusimbi, each other in the the even- legendary status. Hassan Wasswa and Johnson Ba- has cleverly annual regional tual winners. Super coach Herve Renard has goole, there is still a semblance of tournament in the “We can never sounded more confident: stability and organisation. refused to be 1980s and the spirit beat them,” “We want to be part of the AF- Whether they will stand up to of brotherhood callers CON 2013 and we will do it!” An the test of captain Christopher Ka- has never evapo- enthused on unequivocal declaration that might tongo, Emmanuel Mayuka, James dragged in rated. It is why many local radio have intimidated the Ugandan Machanga, Rainford Kalaba and Ugandans felt lumps phone in team which in its own right com- Jacob Mulenga remains to be seen. the psycho- in their throats as sports shows. mands respect in the East African It was evident at AFCON 2012 they watched As if by a prayer, region. When he was asked how that Zambia’s football philosophy logical battle the Uganda has he was going to qualify he said: is “attack, attack, attack.” It’s why been “For us our focus is clear. Only the Renard has emphasised efficiency qualification is important. We have in his match preparatory notes. insisting each to be efficient, that’s all.” Back home, Ugandans will hope that Bobby too has taken note to time that his No mind games diffuse the danger. Even though Not that his Ugandan Uganda’s away record is nothing to team is counterpart has paid much be proud of, Zambia could yet be attention. Bobby Wil- the kind of venue that the Cranes going to do liamson has clev- may relish. Only one problem erly refused to be though…the African champions dragged in the are desperate not to compromise their best psychologi- their chances of defending the title. cal battle It’s been rare under Williamson to avoid insist- for the Cranes to adopt a defensive ing strategy, but if it’s the only way to defeat. each ensure a noble result may be it’s time time. Time to surprise a nation It is that golden jubilee year. his Could Williamson be smelling a rat before the Cranes play Zambia this afternoon? team [email protected] The Cranes face one of the hardest tests against Zambia’s Chipolopolo his weekend the Cranes rone encounter. efficiency and a display of disci- the exploits of now FAZ President face African champions On the other hand, the Chipolo- plined tactical football will help the Kalusha Bwalya, Zambia butchered Zambia as Uganda sets polo set residential camp on Sunday Cranes shoot down Zambia. the Cranes 5-0 in Ndola, venue out to end the 34 years with all players reporting between There is never an easy game of this weekend’s clash. The only Tof waiting to play in the Sunday and Monday. The last to especially when you play your quali- difference is that the Dag Hammar- African Cup of Nations Geoffrey arrive were the two Emmanuels fication against African champions skjöld stadium has been replaced finals. The Cranes set their blazing - Mayuka and Mbola of Barclays and on their home soil. But for the by the elegance of the 40,100 seat guns on Zambia’s Chipolopolo in Premiership side Southampton and Cranes the focus is clear. Only the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. the first leg of the final round of Bukohore FC Porto respectively. They arrived qualification is important. We have Williamson’s men are on a qualification at the Levy Mwana- in Lusaka shortly after midday on to be efficient, that’s all. mission they hope will deliver the wasa Stadium in Ndola. Tuesday and immediately connect- The last time Zambia and Cranes from over three decades However there is no evidence ed to Ndola to join their colleagues. Uganda met in a final round of of waiting to grace the AFCON of good preparations. Only one Williamson because only a handful One thing for sure is that I qualification for any major tourna- again, the last time being in 1978 friendly game against Botswana, of players that turned out in this don’t doubt Williamson’s ability to ment was in 1988 for the right to where they lost 2-0 to Ghana in the and to me it was a last minute game will get a chance to feature in assemble a solid team, especially go to the summer Olympics in final. The winner over the two legs preparation. The Cranes managed a the starting eleven this weekend. Of at the back, albeit aware of the Seoul. En-route to the 1988 Olym- will qualify for South Africa finals. goalless draw from this match and the regular back four, only Godfrey strength of Zambia when the two pics, Zambia lost 1-2 in the first Geoffrey Bukohore is a former this didn’t seem to bother Bobby Walusimbi partook in the Gabo- square off. But what counts is the leg in Uganda and then inspired by Uganda international defender.