AFCON 2019: The Crane dares the Lions as Uganda plays Senegal in last 16

Uganda Vs Senegal

Cairo International stadium, Cairo (10pm EAT)

It is going to be another battle between David and Goliath as Uganda plays Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations last-16 in Cairo on Friday evening.

The game to be played at the Cairo International Stadium will see Uganda Cranes, whose only claim to prosperity at the continent’s most prestigious tournament being featuring in the 1978 finals play against a star-studded Senegal’s Lions of Teranga that have the same record in a do or die game.

Uganda qualified for their first knockout stage in 41 years with four points in group A whereas Senegal on the other side also qualified as the second placed team in group C on six points.

The East African representatives will have to put behind their match bonus woes to focus on the game against the Lions of Teranga and according to skipper Denis Onyango, there will be no room for excuse.

“We are now looking forward to the game that is ahead of us. We have got a nation to fight for and we have so many Ugandans back home that are looking up to us. We have forgotten our disagreements with the federation. It’s in the past now,” Onyango said.

For Cranes coach, Sebastien Desabre, focus will be key if his team is to progress to the next stage.

“To beat Senegal, we have to score. We believe in our chance. Like against DR Congo, we need to take our chances and remain focused,” the French tactician said.

Mane roars

For Liverpool star, Sadio Mane will be hoping to replicate the performance that saw him and his club lift the UEFA Champions League last season as his team plays against Uganda.

"I am even ready to trade my Champions League success to win the Africa Cup of Nations," Mane told France Football magazine in a pre-tournament interview.

For Lions of Teranga tactician, Alliou Cisse, the task ahead of them is not an easy one as it seems to be.

We played Kenya and Tanzania in the group stages but Uganda is different. They are really organized and have a strong enthusiasm. It will be a tough game,”Cisse said.

As Senegal boasts of a star studded team of players including Liverpool's  Mane, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, Crystal Palace midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye among others, Uganda on the other side will rely greatly on the heroics of  Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango and other little known stars to make yet another piece of history.