When Ghana meet Uganda in Nairobi on Wednesday in the first semi-final of the Four Nations Castle Lager tournament, the clock will be turned back to the final of the African Nations Cup match between the two sides in Accra in 1978.
In tomorrow's rare clash between the two sides from east and west Africa, Ghana will be led by Fred Osam-Duodu, who won the Nations Cup title with the Ghanaians that year. But there is no player in the Ugandan side, the Cranes that will remember the country's finest football moment.
Apart from an official of the Uganda FA, Polly Ouma, who was one of the heroes in the 1978 Cranes side, two veteran players in the current side, George Ssemwogerere and Philip Obwiny could also recall the events of 22 years ago as boys.
Ghana, the highest FIFA ranked team at the four nations, are tipped as the favourites to lift the inaugural Castle Lager Cup with a total prize money of $60,000.
Black Stars coach, Osam-Duodu has invited nine foreign-based players in a strong second string side led by Joseph Addo of Tampa Bay Mutiny of the United States.
Cranes assistant coach, Leo Adraa says his side will draw on their recent experiences playing against West African sides, Guinea and Togo in the World Cup and Nations Cup qualifiers. We already know a lot of West African football their long passes and prefer chasing the ball.
Ironically, the Cranes coach is from West Africa, Harrison Okagbue. The Nigeria coach said: If Ghana thought we are pushovers, they would not have called their foreign-based players.
Immediately after arrival, Uganda players enjoyed a swim at their Utalii Hotel. Hassan Mubiru who has scored 19 league goals will be partnered by either David Kiwanuka or Ibrahim Buwembo.
Uganda's strength is in the lively mid-field with the pint-sized Hakim Magumba and Livingstone Mbabazi. Magumba who has deft footwork and quick acceleration is hard to contain while Mbabazi has good vision and dribbling skills.
For the hosts, the Harambee Stars of Kenya, home support will be their secret weapon and are tipped to play Ghana as the possible finalists.
Kenya face Tanzania, a side which Harambee Stars coach Hussein Kheri, knows a lot about following a spell with Zanzibar Premier League side Malindi. Weighing Kenya's chances, Keri said Tanzania have an experienced squad but the Taifa Stars will be affected by the altitude.
Kheri has invited only two foreign-based players, South African-based Musa Otieno of Sanlam Santos and Evans 'Valdo' Nyabaro from Norwegian side FC Start.
Tanzania will be inspired by midfielder, Salvatory Edward, defender Mwanamtwa Kihwelo and striker, Jonas Edibily.
On arrival, the teams were treated to a lavish welcome by the organisers. They had a welcome dancing troupe of young children who carried miniature Kenya flags.
The tournament has generated a lot of interest. KFF secretary-general, Hassan Haji said it was the best thing to happen to Kenyan soccer. While the climax will be on Saturday during the finals, all the four teams will visit the densely populated Nairobi suburbs to hold a coaching clinic for 90 minutes, the duration of a football match.
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