To find the last time Uganda beat Egypt, you will have to travel 52 years back to a 1965 friendly.
On that occasion, the Cranes annihilated the Pharaohs 5-1 in Kampala. 15 more battles have been fought since, with the North Africans winning a whopping 12, and drawing just once.
That is the magnitude of dominance Egypt have had over their Saturday opponents in group D.
However, the beautiful game is unpredictable, and the Cranes have grown to their current status as the 2016 Africa’s team of the year.
Back home over 40 million Ugandans will be saying a prayer – hoping for an upset – knowing very well a second loss will prematurely end their return to the table of men after a 39-year absence.
The Coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojovic will welcome back influential midfielder Khalid Aucho of Baroka FC and Simba SC’s defender Juuko Murishid, who both missed the 1-0 loss to Ghana on Tuesday due to suspension.
In the opening group match, defender Isaac Isinde panicked – pulling down Ghana skipper Asmoah Gyan in the forbidden area leading to a penalty, which Dede Ayew converted for the lone goal.
The return of Juuko is therefore expected to bring stability at the back.
Khalid has the quality of not only breaking play in the mid but also initiating play.
Standard Liege’s foward Faruk Miya and skipper Godffrey Massa, will have to be more ruthless in front of goal, after missing countable opportunities against the Black Stars.
Egypt, who could not break a physical and tactical Mali, will be leaving nothing chance, as they also know another missed three points could spell doom for their quarter finals dreams, depending on how Mali and Ghana match puns-out.
All eyes will be on Roma’s 24-year-old forward Mohammed Salah to replicate his fine club form for the national team and save coach Hector Cuper.
The match will kick 10:00PM East Africa time, and will be played at the Stade de Port Gentil, Port Gentil.
Prediction: Egypt 2-1 Uganda
