Uganda, bottom of Group D with no points, need to beat Egypt or at least avoid defeat to keep their chances of progressing from the group alive.
The Cranes have been Africa’s most improved side in the last 18 months and will look to continue the forward trajectory by securing their first AFCON points since 1978.
It won’t be an easy task for Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic’s men as Egypt will be tough customers for the East Africans.
Uganda wasn’t overawed by the occasion against Ghana and was arguably the better side in the first half but have to improve against the Pharaohs.
Anything short of points on the board or a loss means an early departure for the Cranes from the competition. Denis Onyango will be the man between the sticks and he will hope his defence will be on top of their game against a rampaging Egyptian side.
Hector Cuper has brought Egypt back to Africa’s premier event after a ten-year absence and will be looking to add to their title haul of seven AFCON wins.
The Pharaohs have put away the disappointment of the draw against Mali and will hope to do better against Uganda. Mohammed Salah will be the main man in attack for Egypt as they go for Uganda’s jugular.
Egypt could not break a physical Mali defence on Match Day One despite all their efforts. Cuper expects his team to rally back from the disappointment and get the job done against the East Africans on Saturday.
Mohammed Elneny, Ramadan Sobhi. Ahmed ‘Koka’ Hassan and Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan are expected to lead the charge against Uganda.
A West African derby
The second group games of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will come to a climax on Saturday when Group D takes center-stage.
Ghana, who have three points lead the group ahead of Egypt and Mali who drew blanks on Match Day One. The Black Stars will face rejuvenated Mali side who defied the odds to hold the much fancied Pharaohs.
The Black Stars have won the competition four times, the last time in 1982 when they won in Libya. They want to end the wait and bury the ghosts of the 2015 edition when they lost to Ivory Coast in the final in Equatorial Guinea.
Avram Grant knows a win will guarantee passage into the next round for his men and has already sounded that out about his team’s ambition.
There will no Baba Rahman for the stars as the left back has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament with an injury.
Left sided midfielder Frank Acheampong of Anderlecht is the man tipped to replace him on the as Grant will likely tweak his formation against Mali.
Christian Atsu shone like a million stars in the first game against Uganda and will be one of the first men on Grants starting list alongside team captain Asamoah Gyan, David Amartey and the Ayew brothers-Andre and Jordan.
Ghana and Mali have met seven times in the Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars hold the edge in that regard with three wins as against Mali’s two with two drawn games.
Mali has been consistent in the Africa Cup of Nations over the last five editions with a third place finish in 2013 their best showing of late.
Now coached by Alan Giresse, the Eagles held Egypt to a goalless draw in the first group game and were quite impressive despite the absence of central midfielder Adama Traore.
They have to get points on the board to avoid a first round exit like they did two years ago. A draw will leave their hopes on a thin thread while a win puts them in a good stead.
Mali are the nearly-men in the AFCON of recent. They were third in 2012 and 2013; which translates to winning the title or at the least, playing in the final, the logical progression.
Giresse will look to Traore (if he is fit) Bakary Sako and Sambou Yatabare to make things happen for his side as they face a strong Ghana side.
By Andrew Randa @SuperSport
