supersport.com

Uganda Cranes duo Godfrey Walusimbi and new entrant Frank Kalanda are itching for a chance to hit Senegal when the two countries clash in this Saturday’s World Cup qualifying decider in Marrakech, Morocco.

Walusimbi netted from the spot to level matters with three minutes left to play when the Lions of Teranga visited Kampala in the first leg last year and will hope to replicate his scoring touch.

And the Cranes four-day camp in Istanbul, Turkey – where Micho Sredojevic’s side are training from some of the world’s best facilities as they prepare for the must-win Marrakech encounter – has reignited the Don Bosco defender’s hope that they can match up to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinalists.

“We can’t fail to qualify after training in Europe,” defender he said. This is the first time in recent years Uganda are having a camp in Europe – as long as four days – prepping for a serious qualifier.

Senegal on their part have always had their preparation camps in Europe since most of their players fly their trade on that continent.

As for striker Kalanda, who has impressed since helping Uganda eliminate Tanzania en route to South Africa for Chan next year, he is not afraid of the stars in the Senegal ranks, never mind Papiss Demba Cisse (suspension) and Demba Ba (ignored) are already missing.

“I don’t know anybody in the Senegal team because I do not watch football on television but come Saturday, they will know who I am,” declared Kalanda.

Kalanda scored a brace against Tanzania in the 2014 Chan decider and grabbed one as Uganda beat Botswana 3-1 in last Saturday’s friendly in Gaborone.

Uganda must beat Senegal if they are to progress to the final round of qualification while the latter will do with just a draw.