Second half Substitute Abdallah El Said riffled a late winner for Egypt to dump Uganda Cranes out of the 2017 Africa cup of Nations with a match to spare.

The Cranes held on for 88 minutes with solid display in defense but succumbed to Mohammed Salah’s distinctive skills and intelligence which suddenly unlocked the cryptic code in Micho’s defensive structure with about seven white shirts staring inside the box.

Salah got at the other side of a pass inside the box but opted not to strike directly at the congested goal. The star’s hawk eye saw an onrushing El Said who powered in between Onyango’s -African player of the year- legs. It was OVER for Uganda.

Joseph Ochaya had slammed past El Hadary in the 55th minute from Farouk Miya’s curling cross but was rightly flagged down.

Ramadhan Sobhi and Mohammed Salah had their first half chances repelled. Sobhi intercepted Miya’s intended flick to Mawejje, advanced past Iguma and cut in but his effort had crossed the byline before execution.

Sobhi setup Morsen in the 15th with a splitting pass into the box, Onyango dashed off his line and cleared away.

Onyango was later forced off his territory to head away danger before half time.

Micho made a series of periodical changes in the second half with Shaban, Wadada and Ochaya replacing Massa, Miya and Iguma but it was Hector Cuper’s substitution at the hour mark that counted. Goal scorer El Said replaced El Said Hamed.

Uganda will honor their last match against Mali on Wednesday. Mali still have faint hopes- to beat Uganda and expect favour from Ghana.

Lineups:

Egypt: El Hadary, Ahmed Ibrahim, Gabr Mossad, Hegazy, Abdel Shafy, Mohammed Elneny, El Said Hamed (59′ Abdullah El Said), Mahmoud Hassan (79′ Abdel-Monein), Mohammed Salah, Ramadhan Sobhi (66′ Amr Warda), Marwan Mohsen

Uganda: Denis Onyango, Denis Iguma (90+1 Moses Oloya), Hassan Wasswa, Murushid Jjuuko, Godfrey Walusimbi – Khalid Aucho, Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito, Tonny Mawejje – Farouk Miya (Nicholas Wadada 81′), Joseph Ochaya, Geoffrey Massa (Mohammed Shaban 65’)

Asamoah Gyan headed in the 20th minute to guide Ghana to their second win in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations as the Blacks Stars stormed the quarter finals with a match to spare.

A draw against Egypt in the last group game on Wednesday at the same stadium, in Port Gentil, will guarantee a top spot for the Black Stars who are making to their sixth consecutive quarter finals.

Coach Avram Grant made only one change from his winning match day one squad, slotting in Frank Acheampong for Baba Rahman who was ruled out of the remaining games due to injury.

Gyan’s goal is his eighth overall in seven finals making him the 15th top scorer in the African cup of nations.

The cagey first half witnessed little sparks in the opening quarter hour until the 18th minute when Atsu launched a swift run down his lane before cutting in for a wasteful Andre Ayew in the keeper’s area.

Keeper Brimah Razak was twice called to action at the start of second half to keep off Moussa Marega’s attempts from close range.

The keeper made another brilliant stoppage time save from Coulibaly’s cracking screamer to maintain Ghana’s 100% record and qualification.

Black Star defender Thomas Partey was voted the total man of the match.

Lineups:

Ghana: R. Brimah(GK), J. Boye, H. Afful, W. Mubarak, T. Partey, D. Amartey, A. Ayew, F. Acheampong, J. Ayew (90′ A. Acquah), A. Gyan (82′ E. Agyemang-Badu, C Atsu

Mali: O. Sissoko, O. Coulibaly, S. Coulibaly, H. Traoré, M. Wague, Y. Sylla, S. Yatabaré (46. Y. Bissouma), K. Coulibaly, M. N’Diaye, B. Sako, M. Yatabaré (63′ M. Doumbia), M. Marega (79′ K. Coulibaly)

There were shocking results as the 2017 Uganda cup round of 64 games were played on Saturday across the country.

Uganda Premier League side, SC villa suffered an early exit at the hands of Buganda regional side Kiboga Young football club.

The game played at the Kiboga sazza ground ended goalless but the home side advanced after winning the spot kick contest 5-4.

Fufa Big league side Entebbe FC also suffered an early exit at home falling to Igombe FC from Iganga.

Normal time ended in a 1-1 draw but the Eastern regional league side progressed to the round of 32 winning 7-6 in penalties.

Defending champions Vipers also needed spot kicks to overcome a resilient Premio in Koboko after a one all draw in normal time.

Brian Nkuubi had given Vipers a lead at the half hour mark but the home side levelled matters at the death of the clock.

Tony Odur, Mike Sserumaga, Deus Bukenya and Keziron Kizito converted their penalty kicks to make sure the Venoms win in spot kicks 4-3

8 time winners KCCA FC had a walk in the park demolishing Koboko raising stars 6-1 at Phillip Omondi stadium with goals coming from Paul Mucureezi (brace), Robert Ssentongo, Ivan Ntege, Muzamir Mutyaba and Derrick Nsibambi.

Youngster Bida Ezra pulled one back for the visitors.

Onduparaka also progressed to the round of 32 with a 6-2 emphatic win over Gulu’s Football for Good.

Dickens Okwi (brace), Alex Gasper, Gaddafi Wahab, Gaddafi Gadinho and new signing Fahad Toko were all on the score sheet for the caterpillars.

Uganda Cup round of 64 Results

Friday 20/1/2017

Mbarara FC vs Busia Fisheries (Walk over for Mbarara FC)

Saturday 21/1/2017

KCCA 6-1 Kiboko rising stars

Football for Good 2-6 Onduparaka

Police FC 2-0 Maroons FC

The Saints 1-0 Proline Fc

Entebbe FC 1-1 Igombe FC (Igombe win 7-6 on penalties)

Kiboga Young FC 0-0 SC Villa (Kiboga win 5-4 on penalties)

Synergy FC 0-0 Kyambogo (Synergy win 4-3 on penalties)

Premio Fc 1-1 Vipers SC (Vipers 4-3 on penalties)

Create Peace 1-2 Boma Young

Kira United 0-1 Baza Holdings

Thunder FC 2-2 Kibuli United (Thunder win 7-6 on penalties)

Masavu vs Mbarara City (Walkover for Masavu)

Sunday fixtures

Dove All stars vs Artland Katale

KCCA Corporates vs Sadolin Paints

Kataka FC vs Ngora United

Lungujja Galaxy vs Moroto United

Agape SS vs Ntoda

BUL vs Kireka United

Express vs Kirinya Jinja SS

Bright Light vs Sun City

African cup of Nations 2017
Gabon vs Cameroon  9pm
Stade de Libreville

Hosts Gabon will need to win today’s game against Cameroon to brighten their chances of advancing to the quarter final stage.

Gabon who have failed to get a spark in their opening two games drawing against debutants Guinea Bissau and Burkina Faso will need to earn maximum points against current group leaders Cameroon.

The indomitable lions got a 2-1 comeback win against Guinea Bissau in their second game against Burkina Faso.

Hosts need a win against Cameroon to be sure of a prolonged stay in the tournament whilst a draw would see their chances hinge on the outcome of the Guinea-Bissaau v Burkina Faso match which kicks off at the same time.

The Panthers head coach Antonio Camacho will have concerns about his midfield with Mario Lemina  expected to miss the rest of the tournament while fullback Johann Obiang is a major doubt after suffering a knock in the game against Burkina Faso.

Cameroon on the other hand have no injury concerns and the 4 time champions know that a point off Gabon will see them advance to the next round.

Gabon will become only the fourth host nation in the 60-year history of the tournament to exit after the first group round, a fate that befell Tunisia (1994), Ivory Coast (1984) and Ethiopia (1976) previously.

Recent Head to Head

06/09/16 INTF Cameroon 2-1 Gabon

10/08/13 CHAN Gabon 1-0 Cameroon (Gabon won on penalties)

28/07/13 CHAN Cameroon 1-0 Gabon

13/01/10 AFCON Cameroon 0-1 Gabon

09/09/09 WCQ Cameroon 2-1 Gabon

05/09/09 WCQ Gabon 0-2 Cameroon

Record ten time Uganda Cup champions Express FC have confirmed four signings ahead of their opening round of 64 clash against Kirinya Jinja SS FC.

The match will be played at Wankulukuku Stadium.

Kireka United midfielder Daniel Otto is the latest of the quartet and is expected to start against Kirinya on Sunday. The club announced the developments on Sunday morning via their Official Facebook page.

“IT’S NOW OFFICIAL!
Exciting midfielder Otto Daniel has agreed to join Express from Kireka United and he is eligible to play today against KJSS FC.
Another reason not to miss today’s game,” the post partly reads.

Defender Remy Makumbi, young attacking midfielder Muhammad Sharif and goalie Fahad Katongole are the other three.

Katongole joins from Fufa big league side Synergy FC while Muhammad from Nakaseke International college.

Released
The Red Eagles had earlier announced releasing ten players who include goal keepers Ali Kiggundu and Ivan Mutumba. Others are Bob Kasozi, Richard Kigozi, Rogers Lukwiya, Muhammad Kayongo, Yafesi Mubiru, Isaac Sserunkuma, John Ssemazzi and Paddy Tebusweke.

Action in the Fufa Juniors Elite League (U17) enters match day 12 with 5 fixtures on card across the two groups of Treble and Hat trick.

Much of the attention will be in hat trick group as the battle for the prime position intensifies.

Group leaders Lweza Orange brigade make a trip to Jinja to take on Jinja Municipal Council Hippos Junior team.

Lweza under the guidance of Ssaka Mpiima come into today’s fixture on the back of a 3-4 home loss to Kirinya Jinja SS last weekend.

The loss meant the gap at the top was narrowed and the Orange brigade lead the group on a better goal difference ahead of second placed SC Villa Jogoo both on 23 points although Lweza has a game in hand.

Lweza will hope for redemption in the game against JMC Hippos who are sixth on the table with 17 points.

Second placed SC Villa Jogoo visit tricky Soana at Bishops SS in Mukono.

Soana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Express JT last week, their third loss this season and have 20 points, only three behind Lweza and SC Villa.

SC Villa on the other hand earned a 3-0 win away win to Bright stars last week in Kawanda.

Kirinya Jinja SS JT who are also still in contention for the top slot in the Hat trick group host struggling Bright stars in Jinja. The students are 5th on the log with 20 points.

In the Treble group, Police armless brigade host Onduparaka at Naguru playground while BUL who suffered a 3-1 loss to KCCA soccer academy return to action at home(Kakindu stadium) against Sadolin Paints in the Jinja Derby.

The games between Soana vs Express and Proline vs Vipers JT were postponed while URA Junior team will host KCCA soccer academy on Monday

Fufa junior league (U17) Match day 12 Sunday, 22-Jan-2017

M#90 Police armless brigade Onduparaka JT: Spear Motors (IOV), Naguru-4:00pm

M#91  BUL JT v Sadolin Paints JT: Kakindu-2:00pm

M#94 Kirinya Jinja JT v Bright Stars JT: Jinja SS-4:00pm

M#95 Soana SA v SC Villa Jogoo JT: Bishops SS-Mukono-4:00pm

M#96 JMC Hippos FC JT v Lweza Orange Brigade: St Jude Play ground (Jinja)-2:00pm

MONDAY, 23-Jan-2017

M#93 URA JT v KCCA SA-Wobulenzi 4:00pm

Guinea Bissau coach Baciro Cande is not ready to see his country exit their debut Africa Cup of Nations without a win. The Djurtus, named after a species of wild dog in Guinea Bissau, face Burkina Faso on Sunday evening at the Stade de Franceville, Franceville.

The debutants were unlucky to go empty handed in their second match day, especially after Piqueti Djassi Brito pit the team in the lead in the 13th minute with a goal-of-the tournament contender.

Guinea Bissau held for 61 minutes before succumbing to Siani’s strike and Ngadeu Ngadjui winner with twelve minutes to time.

They just did enough in their opener to pick a point from the hosts in the last minutes of added time.

“We will be facing a team with huge experience in African football,” Guinea Bissau coach Baciro Candle said.

“We are a modest team and will continue to work harder. I know my players and the result here has been the fruit of hard work.”

The task will not be easy considering that Equatorial Guinea (2012) and Cape Verde a year late, are the only debutants that have succeeded past the groups.

The Stallions have made out of the groups only twice- Runners Up in South Africa 2013 and a 4th place back in 1998. They are ranked 53 globally, 15 places above Guinea Bissau.

“What we need against Guinea Bissau is victory since that will be the only way to reach our objective of a place at the next round,” Paulo Duarte noted.

Burkina Faso midfielder, Bertrand Traore, also echoes the words of his coach noting that “Guinea Bissau is a strong side and very competitive. We know the importance of this match and we will go into it with the full concentration and hopefully win.”

Hima Cement Heathens began the second round of the 2016/17 Rugby premier league on a remarkable note easing past minnows Rams.

After going 9 games unbeaten in the first round, Heathens stretched the winning streak to ten with a 65-03 win against Rams on Saturday.

Jude Keremundu, Cox Muhigwa and Romano Ogwal scored a try each while Lawrence Sebuliba registered a hat trick.

Bishop Onen, Vicent Mose and Ronald Agasi  all managed a brace each against a

Pirates registered almost a similar score with an emphatic 63-03 win against Makerere Impis at Legends rugby club.

Byron Kasozi managed a hattrick of tries before Timothy Kisiga and Musa Muwonge scored a brace apiece while Dennis Etuket also got onto the score sheet with a try.

Sadolin Mongers managed to defeat Toyota Buffaloes at the house of pain in Entebbe while Gulu Elephants failed to honour their away fixture against Betway Kobs.

This is the third game that Gulu have failed to play and thus Kobs were awarded a walkover while the Elephants could be thrown out of the league.

The league regulations stipulate that a team that fails to honour three fixtures is dismissed.

Earlier on Friday,  Shell Rimula Rhinos earned a 29-15 victory against Warriors. Jasper Onen had two tries while Ivan Ntungire and Stalo Camden had a try each to help Rhinos win.

Weekend results

Warriors 15-29 Rhinos

Kobs 28-00 Gulu Elephants (Walkover)

Pirates 63-03 Impis

Mongers 15-08 Buffaloes

Heathens 65:03 Rams

Egypt boss Hector Cuper has picked Abdullah El Said as his man of the match following his heroic last minute thunderous shot that gifted the Pharaoh’s a 1-0 win over Uganda on Saturday.

“Abdullah El Said deserves the Man of the Match award,” Cuper asserted.

“I wished to have a bigger score line and better performance but I thank my players who did all their best in tough circumstances.”

Tactical superiority

El Said came off the bench six minutes from the interval to replace Tarek Hamed. He went on to stab the ball through Onyango’s legs from a Mohammed Salah aptitude pass.

“I respect Uganda and commend them for their performance. Every game has its own strategy and we always adjust our plans to our opponents.”

Despite, Uganda holding the record seven-time giants for 89 minutes, there were only two shots (off) target registered as compared to 13 for the Pharaohs; three on target and 10 off.

“Our target for every game is to win, so it’s accepted to make some risk but not in an irrational way. Our qualification is not guaranteed yet.”
Egypt plays the Black Stars on Wednesday 25 in a must-not-lose match.

Ghana became the second country after Senegal, to book a berth in the knockout rounds of the 2017 Africa cup of nations following their 1-0 victory over Mali in a group D West African affair.

Team skipper Asamoah Gyan was responsible for the goal after heading in the 20th minute and the team clasped on the lead till the end.

“I’m happy for the win and I thank my boys for showing maturity especially in the second half,” Coach Avram Grant lauded his players for the performance. He added that, “In tournaments like this you need to collect points and that’s what we did. We have six points and we played a good game.”

Ghana looked good and lively in the first period but was despoiled in the second with the Malians marauding Razak’s goal. Marega, Coulibaly and Hamari Traore saw their efforts saved or span wide.

However, Grant reckons that his team were not overwhelmed but rather played to the book.

“In the first half we scored and missed many chances but we had to secure our victory in the second half. We didn’t plan to sit back in the second half.

“Mali played a physical game but I used my normal tactic and we won.”

Ghana needs a draw against Egypt on Wednesday to secure the top spot.

Burkina Faso Stallions marched to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a 2-0 win over debutants Guinea Bissau on Sunday night in Franceville.

Rudinilison Silva headed Bertrand Traore’s cross past his own keeper to gift the Stallions an early eleventh minute lead.

The Djurtus, named after a famous wild dog in Guinea Bissau, surged thereafter in search of an equaliser but Rudinilson, Piqueti and Mendy had their chances saved or skewed away from target.

Bertrand Traore sealed Guinea Bissau’s fate twelve minutes into the second half. Experienced striker Aristide Bance set up Prejuce Nakoulma who rushed his way and cut in for Traore.

Burkina Faso progress as group A winners after Cameroon picked a goalless draw in Libreville against the hosts. They will play group B runners up while Cameroon date Senegal.

Lineups

Guinea Bissau: Jonas Mendes, Tomas Dabo, Rudinilson Silva, Zezinho, Francisco Junior (76′ Aldair), Nani (63′ Lassana Camara), Frederic Mendy, Juary Soares, Toni Silva, Piqueti (65′ Abel Issa Camara), Mamadu

Burkina Faso: Herve Koffi Kouakou, Steeve Yago, Bakary Kone, Prejuce Nakoulma, Abdou Razack Traore, Issoufou Dayo, Alain Traore (67′ Ibrahim Blati Toure), Aristide Bance (59′ Cyrille Bayala), Charles Kabore, Bertrand Traore (78′ Bakary Sare), Yacouba Coulibaly

Former Proline FC and Kaiser Chiefs midfielder Ivan Bukenya scored his debut goal as his new club East Bengal overturned the tables to defeat defending champions Bengaluru FC 2-1 in a crammed I-League football clash played in Barasat on Sunday.

Bukenya was dropped from Kaiser Chiefs at the end of last season together with compatriot Sula Matovu and had been training with Proline FC before he switched to Kolkata , West Bengal, India.

CK Veneeth opened the scores to put Bengaluru FC ahead in the 23rd minute but Bukenya rose high to score the equaliser five minutes later from Dalte’s well curled corner kick. Second half substitute Robin Sigh sealed the lead deep in the second half.

The Ugandan defender-cum-midfielder was voted the man of the match for the game.

He has made four appearances in all the team’s games this season which include a one all draw on day one against Aizawl and consecutive wins over DSK Shivajians and Churchill Brothers.

The Red and Yellow Brigade as they are famously known are second on the I-league table with ten points, two below leaders Mohun Bagan.

They travel to play Minerva Punjab in their next game on 29.

Bukenya started his football career at Nalubaale FC in 2009–2010 season and continued when the team reincarnated to proline fC the next season before going Arbil FC in the Iraqi Premier League.

Uganda Cup ten time champions Express FC started their 2017 campaign on a high with a 2-1 victory over defending champions Kirinya Jinja SSS FC in a round of 64 match played at Wankulukuku on Sunday.

The Red Eagles have failed to win the trophy since a back to back title in 2006 and 2007 where they extended the record.

Newly adorned skipper Musa Mukasa headed the home side ahead in the 23rd minute after meeting a flashy cross from Yayo Lutimba.

The School boys rallied back through Isaac Ntege with five minutes left to the first half recess. Simon Sserunkuma pounced on a loose ball from Jinja SS keeper’s inefficiency to give Express the lead and win.

In the other Uganda Cup games played on Sunday, Kataka FC advanced to the round of 32 with a slim 1-0 win over former Big league side Ngorra Freda Carr.

Same result was registered in Jinja as Bul overcame Kireka united. Sadolin Paints FC beat KCCA corporates 2-0 through goals from Fred Kyambadde and Nassar Muzamir.

Sunday cup results:
KCCA corporates 0-2 Sadolin Paints FC
Masavu FC 3-0 Mbarara City (W/o)
Kataka FC 1-0 Ngorra
Dove All Stars 3-0 A. Katale (W/o)
Express FC 2-1 Kirinya Jinja
Bul FC 1-0 Kireka UTD

Kirinya Jinja SSS junior team moved top of Hattrick group in the Fufa Junior league with a magnificent 5-2 victory over Bright Stars in Jinja.

Fred Massa, a nephew to Uganda Cranes captain Geoffrey Massa, was twice on target as Allan Kigundu, Ashiraf Kawasi and Vincent Zziwa added to the rout.

Massa scored his eleventh and twelfth goals of the season, all at home in Jinja, to extend his lead in the scorers chart. Muzamir Kato grabbed a brace to console the Kawempe based side.

The win lifts Kirinya joint top with SC Villa Jogoo junior team with 24 points. Villa were held to an exciting six goal thriller away to Soana soccer academy in Mukono.

Bul Junior team produced a stunning performance to trounce town rivals Sadolin Paints 4-0 in the biggest win of the day. Promising superstar Owen Mukisa latched a double.

In the other game, played at Spear motors in Naguru, Onduparaka cruised past Police Armless Brigade to pick their fattiest away win of the season.

Iddi Abduwahid, Salim Abdallah and Clement Taban all scored for the junior caterpillars while Ashiraf Mulinde struck for police.

The games continue on Monday as Uganda Revenue Authority host KCCA soccer academy in Wobulenzi from 4pm.

Fufa Junior league week 12 results

Police Armless Brigade 1-3 Onduparaka JT

BUL JT 4-0 Sadolin Paints JT

Kirinya Jinja JT 5-2 Bright Stars JT

Soana SA 3-3 SC Villa Jogoo JT

JMC Hippos FC JT 1-1 Lweza Orange Brigade

Monday 23 January
URA JT v KCCA SA-Wobulenzi 4:00pm

African cup of Nations 2017
Gabon 0-0 Cameroon

Gabon became only the fourth hosts not to go past the group stage of the African cup of Nations since inception in 1957 after a goalless draw against Cameroon.

The panthers endured a fruitless game against Cameroon on Sunday at stade La’Mitie to finish third in group D behind Cameroon and Burkina Faso.

Despite a brilliant start to the game, the hosts failed to find the cutting edge with Pierre Emerick Aubameyang missing a glorious chance inside the opening five minutes.

Aubameyang missed within two yards on the far end after connecting to Denis Bounga’s effort but missed the target firing wide.

Antonio Camacho’s side made several attempts to get ahead but Cameroon remained resilient and composed with goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa keeping Gabon at bay.

Gabon struggled to break down Cameroon but could have snatched victory at the death when Bouanga’s cross ricocheted off the post and Sunderland’s Didier Ndong could not beat Fabrice Ondoa from the rebound.

At Stade Franceville, Burkina Faso picked a routine 2-0 victory against debutants Guinea Bissau to finish top of group D on five points same as Cameroon but with a better goal difference.

Gabon join Ethiopia (1976), Ivory Coast(1984) and Tunisia(1994) as the only teams that hosted the tournament and failed to go past the group stage.

Reliable information indicates midfielder Ronald Musana is on the verge of completing a return to the Kenya Premier league.

According to a source who preferred anonymity revealed to Chimpsport that the midfielder who had a short stint at KCCA FC during the first round of the 2016/17 Uganda Premier League is close to joining Nakumatt FC in Kenya.

“He has two offers at the moment, one from Nakumatt and the other from AFC Leopards,” he said.

” The Nakumatt deal is almost complete with both the player and club in advance talks but Leopards have also joined the race,” intimated the source.

Musana who joined champions KCCA on a 6 month deal from Tusker FC is a free agent after negotiations for a new deal at the Lugogo based side fell through.

The winger who was in most cases employed as a makeshift right back by coach Mike Mutebi wanted an improved offer from KCCA which the club management was not willing to meet and he decided to move on.

Nakumatt were promoted to the Kenyan Premier league for the 2017 season after Federation of Kenyan Football (FKF) relegated three teams (Muhoroni Youth, Thika United and Sofapaka) for failure to meet the club licensing requirements.

The shoppers have already started to prepare for the new season including signing striker Kepha Aswani from Leopards despite a pending appeal by the demoted team.

Musana has previously played for Western Stima,KCB and Tusker in the Kenyan premier league. He also played for SC Villa,Water Kiira Young and the Saints in Uganda before moving to Kenya.

African Cup of Nations 2017

Zimbabwe vs Tunisia

10pm

Zimbabwe will need a win to stand any chance of advancing to the quartet final stage at the 2017 African cup of Nations.

The warriors take on Tunisia in their final group B game on Monday and anything but a win will see them get ejected.

Despite earning a draw against Algeria in their opener, Zimbabwe were humbled by Senegal in their second game and come into the clash against Tunisia with only one option, to win.

Head coach, Callisto Pasuwa is aware of the task ahead and believes the team will give their best against Tunisia.

” We don’t have a choice at the moment if we need to progress but only to win. I believe we shall put up a better performance,” Pasuwa said.

Zimbabwe still have concerns about forward Knowledge Musona who got injured against Algeria and he is a major doubt for the crucial game today.

Tunisia on the other hand come into the game in high spirits after picking an emphatic 2-1 win against Algeria.

The Carthage Eagles too need a win but can still advance to the quarterfinals with a draw should Algeria fail to win against Senegal.

Goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouli is the only concern for Henryk Kasperczak’s side after sustaining a knock in the game against Algeria but will be subjected to a late fitness test.

The two sides have only met once in 1988 and the encounter ended in a 1-1 draw.

Uganda Cranes captain says the team has picked vital lessons from the two games so far played and are ready to make amends going forward.

Uganda has lost both her opening two games, with an identical 1-0 loss, to Ghana and Egypt and will play Mali on Wednesday before taking a flight back home.

“This Campaign has given us lots of lessons to learn but now we have to focus on the next campaign,” Massa said.

“We have been eliminated from the tournament but we’ll fight hard to finish with a victory (vs. Mali). The team is well prepared for the game.”

Isaac Isinde bumbled in the opening game and gifted the Black Stars a cheap penalty which Andre Ayew calmly planted in the net.

Team improved performance in the second game and matched The Pharaohs in nearly all aspects, except attempts at goal, but succumbed to a last minute stunner through second half substitute El Said.

“We disappointed in the two games though we played well in both games. We played well against Ghana but they got a penalty from our mistake and converted.”

“We conceded in the last minute against Egypt due to lack of concentration towards the end. But all in all we have learnt from our mistakes.”

The two losses, mathematically put Cranes out of contention but the captain says the boys will fight hard to exit with dignity and also for the fans who have been behind the team throughout.

“I really appreciate the fans from our first game in qualifiers until now. An ideal fan always gives support to the team at all times.”

Islam Slimani scored in either half of the game but Algeria were held to a two all draw with tournament favourites, Senegal, as they bowed out of the 2017 Africa cup of nations without a single win.

Senegal entered the game with their quarter final berth already secured, prompting the coach to rest ten of his first team stars including Sadio Mane.

Slimani put the Desert Warriors ahead just after ten minutes of play. Sofiane Hanni forged his way in the left wing and then slotted a cross across goal which Slimani volleyed in.”then slotted one across goal for Slimani to volley in.

Pape Kouli Diop restored parity in the 44th minute after the Fennecs defense had failed to clear away an Ismaila Sarr cross. Diop collected the remains, packaged and sent it into the net.

The Fennecs returned from the breather with bad news that Tunisia was already leading Zimbabwe 4-1 in the other group match.

Nevertheless, Slimani revived Algeria’s hopes seven minutes later. The Leicester City star combined well with his club teammate Mahrez who chipped in for him to control and tap in.

Defender Cheikh Ndoye efforts to clear were futile as the ball had already crossed the the line.

Moussa Sow inflicted more pain on George Leekens’ boys with an equaliser even before the celebrations dust had settled. Sow pounced on a loose ball just outside the area and drilled a sumptuous low shot giving Malik no chance to put a hand on it.

Slimani had another chance -at least to win a game for his country- in the 77th minute from Hanni’s splitting pass that left him in a one-on-one situation with N’diaye but was quick to shoot, and span it wide.

Senegal progress to the quarter finals as group leaders together with second placed Tunisia while Algeria and Zimbabwe pack their bags.

Senegal: Khadim N’Diaye, Kara Mbodji (70′ Famara Diedhiou), Cheikh Ndoye, Mohamed Diame, Moussa Konate, (90′ Balde Diao Keita), Zargo Toure, Pape Kouli Diop, Badou Ndiaye (78′ Idrissa Gana Gueye), Ismaila Sarr,  Saliou Ciss

Algeria: Malik Asselah, Aissa Mandi, Faouzi Ghoulam, Liassine Cadamuro, Riyad Mahrez, Sofiane Hanni (83′ Rachid Ghezzal), Nabil Bentaleb, Yacine Brahimi, Islam Slimani (80′ Baghdad Bounedjah), Adlene Guedioura, Mohamed Rabie Meftah.

African cup of Nations 2017
Zimbabwe 2-4 Tunisia

Tunisia sealed a slot into the last eight at the 2017 African cup of Nations after outwitting Zimbabwe in their final Group B game.

The Carthage eagles defeated Zimbabwe 4-2 in the game played at Stade de L’Amitie in Libreville, Gabon.

Goals from Sliti Naim, Youssef Msakni, Taha Yassine and Wahbi Khazri’s were enough for Tunisia to claim victory while Knowledge Musona and Tendai Ndoro’s goals for Zimbabwe were reduced to consolations.

Tunisia started the better side and took an early lead in the 8th minute through Sliti Naim whose effort was deflected into the net.

The lead was doubled in the 22^nd minute with midfielder Youssef Msakni driving a low shot that went past goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuva.

The 2004 winners who were on rampage and completely dominating Zimbabwe stretched the score further through Yasinne Khenissi.

Zimbabwe pulled one back after a quick interplay released Knowledge Musona to score a beauty with 3 minutes to halftime.

However, Tunisia reinstated the gap with Sunderland forward Wahbi Khazri converting from a penalty after a challenge on Khenissi by defender Costa Nhamoinesu inside the penalty area.

Kalisto Pasuwa’s side one more goal after recess through substitute Tendai Ndoro but the score read 4-2 at the end.

Tunisia qualified to the quarterfinals in second position in Group B with six points will take on Burkina Faso who topped group A.