World Cup Qualifier: Uganda out to claim Mali scalp
Uganda will look to claim the scalp of Mali when the teams meet in a Group E clash in Africa’s 2022 World Cup Qualifiers, slated for the St Mary’s Stadium-Kitende in Entebbe on Monday afternoon.
Kick-off is at 3pm CAT
Mali lead the way in the group standings after claiming a 1-0 ‘home’ win over Rwanda in Agadir, Morocco last Wednesday night. Adama Traore scored the only goal of the game as the Eagles began their quest for a first World Cup appearance on a victorious note.
“It is only the beginning but we can be satisfied with this performance,” said Mali coach Mohamed Magassouba. “We will now aim for a positive result in our next match.”
Uganda opened their campaign with a resilient showing by holding East African derby rivals Kenya 0-0 in Nairobi.
The Cranes put in a workmanlike performance against the Harambee Stars, but will need to up their game – especially in an attacking sense – if they are to get the better of their visitors come Monday afternoon.
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“When we take on Mali, we need an improved performance and result from the Kenya game. It is a motivation from the game we played on Thursday,” said Uganda coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.
In head-to-head stats, Uganda and Mali have met in four matches across all competitions and friendlies since their first recorded clash back in 1965. The Eagles boast an unbeaten record, with two wins and two draws.
The teams’ most recent meeting was a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group stage match in Gabon which ended 1-1 after goals from Farouk Miya and Yves Bissouma.