Uganda Cranes, the national squad jets out for Kumasi, Ghana this afternoon, where they must win to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup finals - for the first time since 1978.

The 26-man contingent departs at 3p.m aboard a Kenya Airways flight and will arrive in Accra later tonight, from where they will connect to Kumasi.

" We are tuned for the game and the team is looking positive," said stand-in coach Leo Adraa, who has handled the team for the last six days in the absence of tactician Pedro Pablo Pasculli.

The Argentine traveled home to tend to his ailing father. Mr Adraa said they must handle the game with a lot of caution; defend and attack in numbers, because they need a win. "There is no way out, we have got to play as a team and work extra hard on the pitch, and the players are aware of this," Adraa said.

Lead striker Hassan Mubiru said: " I will try my best and get goals. We must play as a team and play our hearts out."

Goalkeeper Posnet Omwony, who featured in the 1-0 loss to Rwanda two weeks ago, is among the players dropped due to injury.

Others dropped are; Alex Isabirye, Hood Kaweesa, Godfrey Ssali and Noah 'Babadi' Kasule.

However, the Congolese born duo of Ekutchu Kasongo and Pitchen Bajope are on the traveling squad. Fufa delegate Mr Stanley Kinene will lead the delegation that also includes technical committee Chairman John Ssemanobe Mr Peter Omara from the Education ministry.

The game kicks off in Kumasi Stadium on Sunday at 7 p.m East African Standard Time.

93.3 Monitor FM will run match updates.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's Samuel Osei Kuffour will be part of the team that faces the Cranes on Sunday. The defender, suspended during the Nations Cup in Mali last year, ended his dispute with the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Ghana coach Burkhard Ziese has invited Kuffour to the team's camp in Obuasi.

"The problem has been resolved and I am ready to play on Sunday. Football is my job and I love it so I have to give my all against Uganda," said Kuffour.

Players in the squad:

Hannington Kalyesubula, Ibrahim Mugisha. David Kateregga, Philip Obwiny, Peter Lwebuga, Bana Zidane, Sam Mubiru, Meddie Nsubuga, Timothy Batabaire, Hakim Magumba, Edgar Watson, Hassan Mubiru, Philip Ssozi, David Obua, Pitchen Bajope, Ekutchu Kasongo, Abubaker Tabula, Ibrahim Ssekajja.