AFCON Qualifiers: Mckinstry ‘Looking Forward’ To First Game At Namboole

Sunday, November 17
*Uganda Vs Malawi

New Cranes coach Jonathan Mckinstry has revealed his readiness for his first home game in charge when Uganda welcome Malawi on Sunday in AFCON qualifiers group B at Mandela National stadium, Namboole.

Namboole is one of the most iconic football venue in the region and a Cranes game is the most storied and celebrated thing. The home fans normally produce incredible noise as they make it difficult for the visiting team.

Mckinstry, in a press briefing held at Sky View Hotel in Naguru, revealed that he has been in Sierra Leone and Rwanda but has always been ‘looking forward’ to a game at Namboole which has become a fortress.

Mckinstry (white) with the Cranes at Namboole’s outside pitch during a training on Thursday. FUFA

This will be Mckinstry’s third game in charge since taking over from Frenchman Jonathan Mckinstry – His first was a friendly win against Ethiopia before a goalless draw against Burkina Faso in AFCON qualifiers.

“I am looking forward at this game, we want it very packed, they (fans) should come and create the atmosphere,” said the Northern Irishman.

“Normally, its not about the players, its about the supporters and if they come as expected, they will be our 12th player.

“I am waiting for this electrive atmosphere. I know it comes with pressure but any coach this is good pressure because it comes with expectations. It’s the pressure to perform.”

Mckinstry will be targeting maximum points against Malawi flames who beat South Sudan 1-0 in their opener.

However, he has to do it without Abdul Lumala and Alexis Bakka who did not return with the team from Ouagadougou because of paper work.

“Alexis and Lumala are good and talented players but we have enough players. There is good competition in the team and we have enough players who are equally talented and will perform to my expectations.”

Mckinstry (2nd from left) in a conference for Uganda Vs Malawi. FUFA

He added:

”The players worked extremely hard for a point against Burkina but that is in the past. We now have a new challenge. It is going to be hard against Malawi but we have to be at our best.”

Uganda are targeting a third consecutive return to AFCON and are favourites to top group B.

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