Ogwang returns to haunt Satellites

Midfielder Julius Ogwang returns in the Hippos squad that travel to Ghana for their second leg African Youth Championships qualifier later this week. The midfielder was key as the Ugandans defeated the Satellites 3-1 in Kampala.

Left back Joseph Ochaya, who was identified as a big threat for the West Africans, has also been named in Paul Nkata's 18-man squad. Ghana named its own squad almost immediately after returning from the first leg loss, and have been preparing in Tamale since last week.

They beat Real Tamale United 2-1 on Sunday, while William Wadri scored a hat-trick for Uganda as they beat local Super League side Victoria Varsity 4-1.

Uganda's Hippos should touch down in Ghana's capital later on Thursday with one strategy to be employed in their qualifier. It's all about defending the 3-1 advantage they had from the first leg.

Paul Nkata, boss of the side, left Kampala in the wee hours of Thursday morning with team that is slightly different in make up from the side Ghana played a fortnight ago. The under 20 coach has taken defensive minded players for Saturday's game.

"The Hippos are looking to defend their goals and so will be sitting back. It will be a strictly counter-attacking system Ghana will see," said Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwanguhya to Citi FM in Accra.

The team left after midnight local time aboard a Kenya Airways flight and include some of the best players in Uganda's Super League at the moment. Erisa Ssekisambu is an attacking threat on most days, but he will be deployed as an auxiliary midfielder as well to help with keeping Ghana at bay.

"The mood in camp was great. Paul Nkata says they will be looking to play on their two goal lead," the journalist went on. He also revealed that Uganda have been training at midday in anticipation of hot and humid temperatures in Ghana's north.

Defenders Yusuf Mukisa and Joseph Ochaya also expressed confidence in being able to hold the Black Satellites at bay in the crucial African Youth Championships qualifier to be played in Tamale at the weekend.

Uganda team
Goalkeepers: Salim Jamal, Emma Kalyowa

Defenders: Yusuf Mukisa, Joseph Ochaya, Nicholas Wadada, Misi Katende, Denis Bigala, Sam Ssenkoomi, Simon Namwanja

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho, Joseph Mpande, Ali Gift Gigi, Geoffrey Kizito, Julius Ogwang, Fred Nkata, Robert Omunuk

Strikers: William Wadri, Erisa Ssekisambu.

Coach: Paul Nkata; Assistant: Abdallah Mubiru

Officials
Match Commissioner: Bolaji Ojo-Oba (Nigeria)
Centre Ref: Moumouni Kiagou (Benin)
Lines: Kouton Narcisse and Dina Bienvenu (Benin)
Fourth: Tohouegnon Gustave (Benin)