Many Ugandans will agree with me that the Egypt tie this Thursday may be the biggest hurdle Cranes has faced at home in the last 10 years.
The last time these two sides faced off, was earlier this year in January at the Stade de Port Gentil, Gabon.
Mohamed Salah’s well laid pass met Substitute, Abdallah El Said who scored a late winner in the 89th minute for the Pharaohs to knock Uganda out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The feeling was heart-breaking, considering Uganda Cranes had put up a strong performance, with Joseph Ochaya having a goal disallowed for offside earlier in the game.
Cranes Coach, Moses Basena is aware of the Egyptian ‘late show’ tactics.
Speaking at the press conference held at Namboole, the coach said: “Egypt normally want to kill off their opponents in the last 10 minutes of the game. Like any other big team, they normally pick the right time and step up their game.”
He added: “We have to be very strict from the word go, and we are also going to find our right moments.”
The tactician is also aware of the stiff competition ahead, and on that he stated, “Egypt is our direct competitor and we are targeting to pick points from them, may be one or 3 points.”
He continued: “Playing against Egypt is motivating and all my players want to face them, we are ready to produce the best of our abilities and give you the best result possible.”
Cranes goalkeeper, Benjamin Ochan, said that they have respect for their opponent but they are also ready to drive the team to glory:
“We respect Egypt but we believe in ourselves. They have good players, but in Football everything can happen; you never know, may be this is our year to go to the World Cup.”