For the first time since 2001, The Cranes begin their Nations Cup group qualification with an away tie.
And for a country used to struggle away from Namboole stadium, Uganda’s start couldn’t have been more daunting than a date with Ghana, which is the runaway favourite to qualify from the group that also includes Guinea and Togo.
By all measures, Cranes coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic intended to use the Niger friendly as a litmus test for Uganda’s defensive approach of containing an offensive-minded opponent.
Yet in the end, the ease with which the Nigeriens ripped apart Uganda in the opening 25 minutes to score two goals will likely cause the Serb a rethink of strategy.
Not only did the plot backfire against an underwhelming opponent, it exposed Uganda’s defensive frailties under pressure. It eventually resulted in the send-off of skipper Andy Mwesigwa late on.
On the other hand, The Cranes cannot afford to open up in order to match the Ghanaians for the simple reason Uganda is short of midfield creativity as well as individuals that can carry the ball from box to box.
Early this year, Egyptians burnt their fingers in a World Cup play-off when they attempted to attack Ghana in Kumasi, resulting in a 1-6 loss for the Pharaohs.
Therefore, Uganda has no option but to sit back and soak up the pressure in the hope of forcing a draw.
For years, Uganda has relied on short passing, plus a long ball into the box for strikers to pounce.
That has been effective at Namboole but it will be a wholly different atmosphere in Kumasi, where the Black Stars will be out to quickly get the job done.
Realistically, it is hard to envisage a Cranes away win, especially when one puts into perspective Ghana’s awesome home record of 13 wins in the last 15 games dating back to 2006.
All in all, Ugandans should brace themselves for an uphill struggle in Kumasi but it goes without saying The Cranes’ best performances have come when odds are stacked against them.