Every player would want to face Egypt
Egypt and Uganda will look to key men, Salah (L) and Okwi (R) respectively for goals.
What you need to know:
- While Miya was involved in Uganda’s goal against Zimbabwe - scored by Okwi - four days later, he and Kaddu did not have enough grip on the game
Cairo. Uganda and Egypt share a lot in common, and the two have been on some interesting collision courses in the last couple of years.
The duo have competitively faced each other three times recently, the Pharaohs edging the Nations Cup tie 1-0 at Gabon 2017 and the 2018 World Cup clash by the same scoreline away. The Cranes edged them in Kampala.
But the one relationship they will both always protect is the one on River Nile, which is Egypt’s lifeblood.
Source of the Nile
It is not clear whether the two agree on claims of British explorer John Speke beating natives to discovering the Source of the Nile in Jinja some 161 years ago, but they at least concur the powerful stream is crucial to their countries’ livelihood.
However, whether they will agree to share points in one of Group A’s final Africa Cup of Nations matches at Cairo International Stadium tomorrow, which will confirm Uganda’s automatic progression to the last 16, remains to be seen.
But what is clear is that Cranes players are relishing coming up against the hosts, last edition’s finalists, and seven-time African champions Egypt.
“Against Egypt the focus will be the same,” Cranes talismanic forward Faruku Miya told SCORE, “Getting a win.
“I know it will be difficult game; the hosts will be having a lot of fans but we have to do our best and get something out of the game.
“Every player would wish to play against Egypt because they are a great team and the atmosphere with fans will be huge.”
Miya’s teammate and one he created a goal for in the 2-0 defeat of Congo last Saturday, Patrick Kaddu, concurs.
“Anyone would want to play a big team and Egypt is that big team,” Kaddu said after Uganda’s 1-1 draw with Zimbawe, which left the Cranes on the brink of the last 16, “That motivation alone is enough.”
Both Miya were not at their best against the Zimbabweans as they were against the Congolese.
Then against Congo, Miya’s dead ball specialty was at its best, his corner headed in by Kaddu and his free kick glanced in by Emmanuel Okwi.
While Miya was involved in Uganda’s goal against Zimbabwe - scored by Okwi - four days later, he and Kaddu did not have enough grip on the game.
“We play the same as Zimbabwe and tactfully it was harder to play against them than Congo,” explained Croatia based attacker, Miya.
“But we got the point and we are just looking forward to the game against Egypt. Our fans shouldn’t be worried because this round is about points.”
Kaddu was at the unfortunate end of a statistic that has him competing with Knowledge Musona of Zimbabwe for miss of the tournament when he skied from close range with the goal at his mercy.
“Yes I’m disappointed in my performance against Zimbabwe because that was a big chance,” said Kaddu, a devout believer, “But those are God’s plans.”
Group A standings
Team P W D L GF GA Pts
Egypt (H) 2 2 0 0 3 0 6
Uganda 2 1 1 0 3 2 4
Zimbabwe 2 0 0 2 1 2 1
DR Congo 2 0 0 2 0 4 0
Group A Wednesday results
Uganda 1-1 Zimbawe
Egypt 2-0 DRC
Sunday, June 30
Egypt vs Uganda, 10pm
Zimbabwe vs DRC, 10pm
