Qualification history
Without ever truly being close to earning a spot in the finals, Uganda have provided their fair share of fireworks in African qualifying for the FIFA World Cup™. In the 2002 qualifiers, they drew 4-4 with Guinea in Kampala, a wild match that saw seven goals in the final 35 minutes. Four years later, they beat Mauritius 3-0 at home only to throw that lead away in the second leg, although they ultimately claimed a winner in extra time. In qualifiers for South Africa 2010, they were a surprise package, winning ten points in their group thanks to three home victories. They ended up two points behind Benin and just off of the pace of Germany 2006 finalists Angola on goal difference.
The current crop
An athletic side with power to spare, Uganda are a tough nut to crack at home, and Scotland-born coach Bobby Williamson has brought a consistency to the team that makes them dangerous away as well. A strong run in qualifying for the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations has The Cranes’ spirits soaring.
The key players
Talismanic Scotland-based player David Obua is the vital cog in the middle of Uganda’s team, while veteran defender Ibrahim Sekagya is the captain of the far-flung team.
Coach: Bobby Williamson
Best performance in a FIFA competition: None
Former stars: Jimmy Kirunda, Majid Musisi, Philip Omondi
