Match against Uganda means world to Egypt

Kampala. Unsettled Cranes coach Micho Sredojevic and Fufa have been raving on about how Egypt will kill to get maximum points against Uganda when the two face off back-to-back in the next two months.
Actually, the aforementioned have even accused Egypt of trying to destabilize Uganda’s preparations by allegedly influencing some offers that have come Micho’s way from the Arab world.

Mind games
“We know this game next month means a lot for Egypt and they will do anything to go to the World Cup,” said Micho last week, “Some of this (talk of Micho quitting) are mind games of Egypt.”

Fufa Marketing and T.V head Rogers Byamukama agreed with Micho’s claims. “A lot of concerted effort from Egypt to distract us is on but I appeal to the media to protect the dream.”

Perhaps Micho, who is reportedly resting with family in Addis Ababa as Fufa and his agent sort his contractual issues, and Byamukama,were also on their own mind games.

Final for Pharaohs
But one incontestable fact is that while Uganda’s dream – Cranes are second in Group E, trailing Egypt by two points – is valid, never mind the realistic end; every one of the remaining World Cup qualifying matches is (forget the cliché) a final for the Pharaohs.

The record seven-time African champions last appeared at World Cup in 1990 in Italy and for now, not even Africa Cup of Nations means anything for them. Tarek Talaat, an Egyptian journalist, insists “the World Cup is very important to Egypt and Egyptians,” he told this newspaper.

“And yes Egypt and Egyptians have had enough of Afcon. Now we want only World Cup. The two matches against Uganda are the way to World Cup.”
Hassan Hossam, an assistant lecturer of neurology at Beni Suef University in Egypt who breathes Egyptian and African football – also assured SCORE; “The World Cup is the most important goal for Egyptians.

The Namboole tour
“We don’t see other things or games like it. With 27 years of absence, generations didn’t see the Pharaohs in the WC. I said before that we accept to replace three titles with one appearance in WC.”

Hossam, who follows events at the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) closely, dismissed talk they are distracting Micho with ghost offers.

“The EFA has its problems and cannot be involved in Micho movies. Yes the two games are crucial but we beat Uganda in Gabon (Afcon, 1-0) with Micho, although he is a tough coach and we respect him.”

Indeed, the Egyptians are not taking any chances. Just 19 days ago, the Pharaohs team manager, Ehab Leheta, and Egyptian Embassy Counsular Ahamed Mohamed Yousef Habib, visited Namboole Stadium to assess what awaits their team on August 31.

“They came and we welcomed them,” confirmed Jamil Ssewanyana, the stadium managing director. “They asked for, and toured the dressing rooms that they will use, other facilities, and where their bus will park.”

Did they offer to maintain the Namboole turf to suit their famous fast football at a fee? “No,” denied Ssewanyana, “I only overheard someone in their delegation mention that the pitch is big.” The Egyptian delegation also met with Fufa officials.

“I am satisfied with the preparations that the Ugandan federation will provide us, and I have met with the president of the federation (Moses Magogo), and he confirmed that he will facilitate everything in front of us,” said Pharaohs team manager, Leheta.

2018 WC qualifiers

Aug 31: Uganda vs. Egypt
Sept 5: Egypt vs. Uganda
Sept 1: Ghana vs. Congo
Sept 5: Congo vs. Ghana

Group E standings
P W D L F A GD Pts
Egypt 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
Uganda 2 1 1 0 1 0 1 4
Ghana 2 0 1 1 0 2 -2 1
Congo 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0