End of the road for Uganda as last minute goal sinks Cranes

MATCH PREVIEW

Cranes face uphill task

Cranes can look back at their second half performance against Ghana as an indication they can match the very best at the African Cup of Nations.

They will need that level of performance, and more, when they face record seven-time champions Egypt today. Uganda’s record against the Pharaohs shows only one previous win – in a friendly.

“We need to be mentally strong, physically fit and tactically competitive in that game and see what football gives us,” admitted coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.

Uganda played well for much of their opening match against Ghana but Micho was left to lament a mistake by defender Isaac Isinde that gave the Black Stars the decisive penalty.

The Cranes are now looking for their first win at the Cup of Nations after 39 years away from the tournament and they can welcome back defender Murushid Juuko and midfielder Khalid Aucho after both served bans against Ghana.

“It is very unfortunate that one moment, one silly mistake cost us the penalty,” Uganda coach “Micho” told AFP.

“It is very unfortunate that despite all the domination we had in the second half, we could not score.

“But we have picked up the pieces, we have learnt the lesson and we are moving forward to the next game.

Defeat today will mean certain group-stage elimination in their first appearance at the tournament in 39 years.

Ghana’s forward Andre Ayew celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Ghana and Uganda in Port-Gentil on January 17, 2017.Five facts for the Group D match between Egypt and Uganda in Port-Gentil Saturday :

— Tradition suggests Egypt will win 2-1 because that was the scoreline in their favour on the three previous occasions they met Uganda in the competition.

— The Pharaohs overcame the Cranes in a 1962 semi-final and during the group phase of the 1974 and 1976 tournaments.

— While Egypt have won the Cup of Nations a record seven times, Uganda came closest to glory in 1978 when finishing runners-up to hosts Ghana.

— Both countries have been notable absentees from the tournament with Egypt missing the last three editions while Uganda are appearing following a 39-year break.

— Striker Mohamed Salah is the best known Egyptian while Ugandan goalkeeper Denis Onyango won the 2016 Africa-based Footballer of the Year award.