Fire works are expected Saturday afternoon at Tamale Sports ground when the Black Satellites of Ghana host Uganda Hippos in the return leg of the second qualifying round of the 2013 Africa U20 Youth Championship.
The Uganda Hippos go into the game in the driving seat having thrashed the Ghanaians 3-1 in the first leg tie they hosted at Nakivubo a fortnight ago.
Ghana team news:
Coach Maxwell Konadu will miss the services of three key players who were recalled by their clubs in preparation for the new season.
The trio include Lativian based Patrick Twumasi, Baffour Gyewu of FK Spartaks Jurmalo and Franko Sarfo Gyamfi of Maritzburg FC in South Africa.
The Satellites have won all their warm up games ahead of this tie beating Tamale based Real Tamale United FC 2-1 and then Dyanamos 3-0 creating hope that they can overturn the first leg deficit.
Eleven Wise FC striker Emmanuel Inkoom who netted both goals in the win over RTU is expected to replace the absent Frank Safo Gyamfi.
Micheal Anaba and Benjamin Fadi are expected to lead the hunt for goals for the Ghanians with Berekum Chelsea defender Ahmed Adams tasked with keeping things tight at the back.
Man to Watch:
Micheal Anaba scored the hosts' solitary goal in Kampala and has been impressive in the friendly games netting as well as creating goals. The Hippos rear guard must keenly watch this midfielder cum striker.
Probable XI:
Muntari Tagoe, Lawrence Lartey, Seidu Salifu, Ahmed Adams, Mumuni Abubaker, Isaac Sackey, Joseph Baffour, Micheal Anaba, Benjamin Fadi, Jacob Appau and Emmanuel Inkoom.
Uganda Hippos team news:
The team touched down at Accra on Thursday but later moved Tamale where they had a feel of the stadium.
Coach Paul Nkata will be without George Abege, Lutimba Yayo and Said Kyeyune for the tie but there is still enough amunition in the available squad to get a desired result that enables the team to advance to the next stage.
All Uganda need is avoid losing by more than a single goal.
The Hippos have played three friendlies ahead of the tie, won twice and lost once, scored 8 conceded 5 goals in the process.
The side thrashed Victoria University and KCC FC 4-1 and 2-1 respectively but lost 3-2 to Maroons FC.
Jamal Salim is expected to maintain his slot in goal with Nicholas Wadada and Joseph Ocaya manning the full back positions.
Misi Katende is set to pave way for Sam Ssenkomi to partner skipper Yusuf Mukisa at centre back.
Geoffrey Kizito and Gift Ali are assured starters in central midfield but for an away game of such importance, coach Nkata is expected to field either of Aucho Khalid, Misi Katende or Simon Namwanja to play in the midfield holding role along side Kizito with Gift Ali playing just infront of the duo in a triangular form.
Erias Ssekisambu is expected to lead the attack in the absence of Abege with Joseph Mpande playing just off him while either of first leg brace hero Julius Ogwang, Wadri William or Robert Omunuk will complete the starting squad.
Man to Watch:
Without Abege and the lack of height in the back, Vietnam based Geoffrey Kizito Baba will have to work his socks off to block hosts' attacks as well initiate moves that can help Uganda score a vital goal.
He must be at his best if the Hippos are to come out on top.
Probable XI:
Jamal Salim, Nicholas Wadada, Sam Ssenkomi, Yusuf Mukisa, Joseph Ocaya, Simon Namwanja, Geoffrey Kizito, Gift Ali, Joseph Mpande, Julius Ogwang and Erias Ssekisambu.
PREDICTION:
The two sides are equally gifted when it comes to technical ability and thus prefer a free flowing game.
The Hippos sound confident of earning a rare away victory but one of the most difficult things in African football is winning away from home.
Basing on that, I see a Ghana win but not enough to reverse the first leg deficit.
Ghana Black Satellites 2-1 Uganda Hippos. What is your prediction?
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