The Uganda cranes will be back in action this Friday for their 2019 African Cup of nations round of 16, taking on Senegal’s Teranga Lions at Cairo International Stadium.
Despite the fact that Uganda Cranes are coming as underdogs and playing their first knockout phase of the competition for the first time since 1978, Senegal is not expecting to face spineless Cranes in a much anticipated game.
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Senegal head coach, Aliou Cisse has described the Cranes as a team of great style of play and attitude with defensive capabilities that could be used to take on any opponent thy could face.
Uganda is a great team and have great capabilities when it comes to defence. Uganda has the same style and philosophy for the previous years. We should get prepared to play a typical African game. – Head coach, Alisou Cisse
Senegalese defensive midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has expressed that the clash with the Uganda is going to be a hard-hitting game, but expects his side to triumph over Desabre’s Men who put up a good and resistant display against the Pharaohs in their last group stage game.
We are here to win. We do not expect a soft game against @UgandaCranes. – Senegal player, Idrissa Gueye
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Sabastien Desabre has assured Ugandans that they are ready and not afraid of facing anyone.
However, he has stated that the upcomig game between Uganda and Senegal is a big challenge because Senegal is a very good team.
Senegal is really strong and we know it. To beat Senegal, we have to score. We believe in our chance. We have our quality. – Head coach @Seb_Desabre
.@Seb_Desabre
"We are focused to come strongly against Senegal. Like we played against DR Congo & Egypt, the team is coherent and positive. We trained well on Wednesday & shall conduct the final session on Thursday. All the players are set" @MosesMagogo, @CAF_Online #AFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/cBGNKOySQk— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) July 4, 2019
Uganda qualified for the Round of 16 after finishing second in Group A with four points. They were beaten 2-0 by hosts Egypt in their final group match, but a win and a draw in their first two fixtures were enough to see them through.
Senegal have never lost to Uganda, claiming a win and two draws from three previous matches. The Teranga Lions have also kept clean sheets in the last two meetings with the most recent clash a 0-0 draw in a friendly back in 2017.