The president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations(FUFA), Moses Hassim Mongogo says qualifying for the 2018 world cup in Russia is not their priority.
According to him, the Ugandan national team, nicknamed the Cranes is being prepared for the 2019 African cup of nations and not necessarily the world cup in Russia.
“It is not the main aim of FUFA to qualify the Cranes of Uganda to the world Cup, but to prepare the team to compete in the 2019 African Cup of Nations,” he intimated.
The Black Stars of Ghana will engage the Uganda Cranes in matchday five of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, tomorrow October 7.
A very important game that may define the fate of the Black Stars is set to be staged at the Namboole Stadium.
The chances of Ghana making it to Russia next year looks very slim as Egypt (currently on top of the table) have been touted hot favorites with the final two games to end the qualifiers.
But speaking to Osei Akoto Kanu on Otec FM‘s Royal sports, president of FUFA, Moses Hassim Mongogo says ”the match is important to the black Stars than us, therefore we (Uganda) don’t have any pressure on us like our Ghanaian counterparts.”
“Pressure is on the BlackStars because they need a win to qualify, but for us, a qualification is a bonus for our preparation,” he added.
He disclosed that the Cranes are always motivated playing against the Blackstars even if it is a friendly game.
“We will celebrate our Christmas in September, if we beat Ghana and Congo,” the FUFA president stated in enthusiasm.
He revealed that the Ugandan government financed all their matches except their game against Egypt, adding that,” I believe we have the ability to beat any African team on Ugandan soil.”
Source: otecfmghana.com/Anane Asante Prince
