Ugandan striker Robert Ssentongo is looking to Saturday’s 2015 Nations Cup qualifier away to Ghana to build on his recent good returns in the Cranes jersey.
The diminutive URA forward made a remarkable return from international slumber after over a year out when Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic recall in the absence of the then injured Emmanuel Okwi and Geoffrey Massa. The latter duo are still out of the Ghana game.
Ssentongo rewarded Micho’s faith by scoring Uganda’s only goal in the 1-0 away victory over Mauritania to progress to the group stages of the Morocco 2015 qualifiers.
Now the striker, who has only played in Ghana when his former Tanzanian side African Lyon met Asante Koto on in continental competition, wants to continue those fortunes.
“What I know is that Ghana is a very good team,†he said, adding, “But our task is to pick points off them and we shall do our best to achieve that.
“Although we respect Ghana, we don’t fear them. Personally I don’t. My teammates feel the same. I feel am in fine shape and I’ve watched Ghana for a long time now.
Approaching 30, Ssentongo has never questioned his confidence. “For me every time I get onto the pitch I’m set and confident to play. Yes it is good I scored (against Mauriania) but I can’t say it is because of that goal that I’m now confident now.â€
The striker will, however, contend with Brian Umony, top scorer with five goals at the just-ended Cecafa Club Championship in Kigali, for a starting role.
Uganda and Ghana are in Group E alongside Togo and Guinea. The top two and the third best-placed team in the seven groups of four(s) join hosts Morocco for next year’s Nations Cup.