DR Congo and Uganda are set to face a grueling tussle in the forthcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday. Both teams are famously known for their struggle in attacking but with a solid defense, which is why their match will be enthralling.
DR Congo
DR Congo will head to the match with their heads held high as they brag of lifting the AFCON trophy twice; in 1968 in Ethiopia and in 1974 in Egypt. In fact, they have made a fantastic 18 times appearance in the elite tournament. In 2017, the two-time African Champions reached the quarter-finals of the competition.
On 15 June 2019, DRC struggled to secure a draw with Kenya in the 87th minute after the latter’s early goal in the 25th minute in their friendly match.
In their last six international matches, the Leopards have had a frankly poor run as they have won twice, drawn twice and lost twice, with winning only once in their last three of the six recent matches.
However, DRC can be regarded as one of the favourites in the AFCON competition as this was supported strongly by the recent FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking where they were placed at the 28th position.
The team will be led by Cedric Bakambu, a French-born Congolese lethal striker who plays for Chinese club Beijing Guoan. The 28-year-old made his senior debut for the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2015. Bakambu scored a goal in a 2–1 win over Angola at the Stade des Martyrs with a penalty, in qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda
Uganda head into the do as probable underdogs for their opponents. However, their most recent friendly match against 2015 AFCON champions, Ivory Coast proved that they can surprise their opponents. Cranes got their winning goal in the 35th minute and managed to defend it till the end of the match.
The Uganda national team equally have not had an impressing run in their six recent international matches. They won twice, drawn thrice and lost once, with winning only once in the last three of their six recent matches.
Uganda has no title and will be banking on Mamelodi Sundowns custodian and Cranes skipper Denis Onyango. Onyango plays for the South African Premier Soccer League club side as a goalkeeper. With Mamelodi Sundown, the Ugandan goalkeeper won the CAF Champions League and was featured in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup. He was named the 2016 African-based African Player of the year.
When they meet head-on?
DRC are privileged to have the duo of Marcel Tisserand and Christian Luyinduma, who will solidify the defense while Cedric Bakambu and Yannick Bolasie are expected to struggle against the Ugandan backline.
Uganda, on the other side, will brag of having Khalid Aucho and Bevis Mugabi who have been impressive in recent matches. Having denied Ivory Coast a goal in their friendlies on Saturday last week, a lot is expected from them in their tie against DR Congo.