Black Stars speedster Christian Atsu has stated that the Uganda Cranes will pose a threat to the team’s trophy ambition in next month’s AFCON in Gabon.
The Newcastle midfielder is unfazed by Ghana’s group D opponents at AFCON 2017 – Egypt, Uganda and Mali but has much respect for the Cranes after they pulled a goalless draw against the Black Stars in Tamale in a World Cup qualifier this year.
Atsu joins the long list of midfielders in the Black Stars. With keen interest, he cherishes the competitive spirit in the camp at the moment and determined to break Ghana’s trophy drought.
“Uganda Cranes are not an underdog any more. They have played against all those teams in the group but we are not scared of them but they have a very good defensive set up which could worry us.
“They qualified on merit therefore the boys are working hard to get to the AFCON and are prepared to compete rather than participating”, he told Starr Sports.
Ghana’s Black Stars open their AFCON campaign against the Uganda Cranes on 19th January 2017 in Port Gentil.
Uganda players in Camp at Serene Suites in Mutundwe:
Goalkeepers: Isma Watenga (Vipers, Uganda), Benjamin Ochan (KCCA, Uganda),Salim Jamal Magoola (El Meriekh, Sudan)
Defenders: Ronald Mukiibi (Östersunds FK, Sweden), Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Nicholas Wadada (Vipers, Uganda), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA, Uganda), Shafiq Batambuze (Tusker, Kenya), Isaac Isinde (St George, Ethiopia), Timothy Awany (KCCA, Uganda), Murshid Juuko (Simba,Tanzania) ,
Midfielders: Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Vipers, Uganda), Muzamiru Mutyaba (KCCA, Uganda), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Abdulmalick Vitalis Tabu (SC Villa Jogoo, Uganda), Tonny Mawejje (Thotur,Iceland), Aucho (Baroka FC, South Africa ), Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, USA)
Strikers: Geofrey Sserunkuma (KCCA, Uganda), Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka, Uganda), Yunus Sentamu (Ilves, Finland), Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA, Uganda), Edrisa Lubega (Proline, Uganda), Geoffrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa)
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM/Tony Bebli
