Ghana and coach Avram Grant want to go one better than in 2015 when they lost the final to Ivory Coast on penalties however one advice to them from Cranes supporters is ..... they should expected the unexpected from Uganda Cranes.

Well, Uganda Cranes returns to the biggest tournament in African football after 39 years absence ironically with a game against Ghana, their last opponent. The Cranes lost 2-0 to Ghana Black Stars in the 1978 finals and have since been absent from the competition.

So what do managers say:

Ghana coach Avram Grant:

"The players have showed good spirit, the quality is good. We will be ready for the first game. We came here to do something good. It's ok to say we want to win but it would be unprofessional to think we will just get it."

Uganda Coach Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic

It’s an honour to be here. Ugandans have been dreaming to be here and we are happy the dream is on now. History will not play against Ghana tomorrow (Tuesday) and the past three matches will not count. We have no experience at AFCON finals but we have planned for the tournament.

History of this fixture:

Below is the full list of matches between Ghana and Uganda at the senior level

World Cup 2018, Qualifying tournament, Africa, Third round, group E

07.10.2016                           Ghana   0–0         Uganda                

African Cup of Nations 2015, Qualifying African Cup of Nations 2015, Qualifying tournament, Group E

15.11.2014                           Uganda 1–0         Ghana                  

 KampalaNelson Mandela National Stadium

African Cup of Nations 2015, Qualifying tournament, Group E

06.09.2014                           Ghana   1–1         Uganda                

 Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium

Friendly internationals 2009

31.05.2009                           Ghana   2–1         Uganda                

 TamaleTamale Stadium

World Cup 2006, Qualifying tournament, Africa, Group 2

04.09.2005                           Ghana   2–0         Uganda                

 KumasiBaba Yara Stadium

World Cup 2006, Qualifying tournament, Africa, Group 2

03.07.2004                           Uganda 1–1 Ghana                         

 KampalaNelson Mandela National Stadium

African Cup of Nations 2004, Qualifying tournament, Group 13

22.06.2003                           Ghana   1–1         Uganda                

 Kumasi

African Cup of Nations 2004, Qualifying tournament, Group 13

 07.09.2002                          Uganda 1–0        Ghana                  

 Kampala

Friendly internationals 2000

25.10.2000                           Uganda   2-1       Ghana                  

 Kenya

African Cup of Nations 1978, Final tournament, Final

18.03.1978                           Ghana   2–0        Uganda               

Friendly international

23.10.1964 Uganda 0-2 Ghana

Friendly international

30.9.1964                            Ghana 2-0 Uganda

Friendly international  

Accra Sports Stadium

10.10.1962                    Ghana 4-1 Uganda

How will Uganda Cranes line up today?

Denis Onyango has been passed fit following an injury in the 3-0 loss to Cote d’Ivoire in a friendly but the absence of Jjuuko and Aucho makes the starting eleven hard to predict.

Hassan Wasswa Mawanda is expected to fill the void at the heart of defence with Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito anchoring the backline.

Murushid Juuko and Khalid Aucho are both suspended.

Uganda Cranes Probable XI:

Denis Onyango (GK), Denis Iguma, Joseph Ochaya, Hassan Wasswa, Isaac Isinde, Geoffrey Baba Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Mike Azira, William Luwagga Kizito, Farouk Miya and Geoffrey Massa (C).

 FYI: Ghana Vs Uganda – Stade de Port Gentil @ 7pm