The Uganda Cranes will this evening attempt to send shockwaves across the continent when they come up against hosts Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium tonight.

Egypt have already booked a place in the last 16 and they come into this fixture with the upper hand.

Emmanuel Okwi scored in the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe to ensure the Cranes remained on course for a spot in the last 16.

Ahmed Elmohamady and Mohamed Salah scored for the Pharaohs in their 2-0 victory against DR Congo to book a place in the next round. But the Pharaohs will want to keep their momentum against a plucky Cranes side.

Head to Head

Uganda have played Egypt 20 times in all competitions winning only 2 and losing 15 with 3 games drawn. However, Sebastian Desabre will be encouraged to know that Uganda’s last victory against Egypt came only recently in 2017 during a FIFA World Cup qualifying game in Kampala. Uganda won the match 1-0 but fell short of qualification.

The two teams previous meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations was in 2017 and Egypt won by a single goal.

Key Players

Dennis Onyango has made some big serves so far in the Africa Cup of Nations, one most notable against Zimbabwe in which he clawed the ball off the goal line. He will be be a very key player for the Cranes today. Emmanuel Okwi has already scored two big goals for against DRC and Zimbabwe. The Simba SC striker will be very instrumental for the East Africans.

All the talk before the ball was kicked in Egypt was about Liverpool star player Mohamed Salah but it’s Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet the has stolen the limelight. His crucial sublime goal against Zimbabwe and man of the match performance in the 2-0 win over DR Congo has many soccer lovers blushing.

Permutations

Egypt have already qualified to the Round of 16 but they would still want to show dominance by topping the Group. A win or a draw will guarantee top spot for Javier Aguirre’s side.

Topping the Group will a bonus for Ugandans and why not go for it. Desabre’s mission will be to ensure a spot in the next round.

A draw will be enough to send Uganda through.

The match will kick off simultaneously at 22:00 East African Time with the other Group A match involving Zimbabwe and the DR Congo.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer