Uganda Cranes are expected to test the strategy they intent to use at the Africa Cup of Nations when they play African champions Cote d’Ivoire in their last warm up game at the New York stadium, UAE.
All eyes will be on Serbian tactician Mulitin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic with big questions about how his team will play in Gabon on return to the finals after 39 years absence.
Already, the team has been in fine form winning all but only one friendly in four since they left Uganda.
The 1978 finalists lost 2-0 to Tunisia but have since beaten Slovenia 1-0 in a practice match; they were 3-1 winners against Slovakia and also beat a local side, Masfoot 4-1.
The friendly comes less than 48 hours after former Ivorian defender, Kolo Toure visited the Uganda Cranes camp.
“I am happy to meet you all. Trust and believe in God. Work hard to achieve the best in life. I wish you the best at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Gabon,” Toure told the boys.
Denis Onyango, who has featured in just one game, is expected to start the game against The Elephants and the fixture will give Micho the true picture of how side has prepared for the tournament.
The meeting between the two sides is the first in history but Coach Michel Dussayer who before faced Uganda Cranes and Micho with Guinea.
The Cranes will play in Group D along with Ghana, Egypt and Mali while Ivory Coast will face Morocco, DR Congo and Togo in Group C.
Cote d’Ivoire Vs Uganda – New York University Stadium @ 6.30pm
