2018 World Cup: Uganda geared for new look Ghana in crucial qualifier

Uganda will be aiming to remain within touching distance of Egypt when they host Ghana in a 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 4pm local time, (1pm Ghana time).

The Cranes currently occupy second spot in Group E, two points adrift of the Pharaohs who play host to Congo in Alexandria this weekend.

Ghana sit in third spot having accumulated five points from four rounds of fixtures, and remain in with a slim chance of booking their place at next year's showpiece in Russia - provided they win their remaining two fixtures.

Uganda head into the game following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Egypt in their last encounter, this after beating the same opponents by the same scoreline in the Ugandan capital at the end of August.

In search of their maiden World Cup appearance, Uganda are highly motivated, with captain and star goalkeeper Denis Onyango underlining the country's desire to down the Black Stars.

"The group is still open," Onyango told KickOff.com. "I think it will go until the last game, but it’s important for us to win the game, which is against Ghana at home, and put pressure on Egypt because they are playing away against Ghana in the last game. Ghana won't make it easy for them.

“So for us it’s all about winning our remaining games and to see how far we can go because no one gave us a chance. We have surprised everyone,” the Mamelodi Sundowns goal-minder added.

Ghana will be without several key players for the tussle in Kampala with Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew to play no part in Saturday's showdown.

Thomas Agyepong, Harrison Afful, Christian Atsu and Johnathan Mensah are also set to miss the tie, but head coach Kwesi Appiah remains hopeful of his team's chances.

The Black Stars thumped Congo 5-1 in Brazzaville last time out - without the trio of Gyan, Andre and Joran Ayew - with Thomas Partey emerging as the hero as he netted a hat-trick for the visitors.

“The squad is in high spirits especially after a huge win in Congo," Appiah told Nation Sport.

"We are hoping to extend that form in Kampala.

"We are not under pressure, but a win will be very positive for us. We will give it our all."

The reverse fixture in Tamale ended in a goalless stalemate.

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