Before Uganda Cranes’ opponents in the round of 16 of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) were known, head coach Sebastien Desabre said his charges would rather face Senegal.
This despite the fact that in five previous meetings, the Cranes have not beaten the Lions of Teranga, posting three draws and two losses.
According to Desabre, the Lions of Teranga were the perfect team to help the Cranes gauge how much they have improved.
“We don’t know who to play but we are in the path that has teams like Senegal and Kenya. I prefer we face Senegal to give us chance to play another strong team,” he said according to Fufa media. “I trust my players have learnt a lot so far and will keep picking points from this tournament. I thank all Ugandans for supporting us.”
Morning followers of @UgandaCranes
The National team will resume training today 7pm at the Arab Contractors Stadium in Cairo as they prepare for the R16 match with Senegal due this Friday at Cairo International Stadium.@CAF_Online @Seb_Desabre#FootballTogether #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/HqD5fHmZNj— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) July 2, 2019
His wish was granted after Sadio Mane and co. humbled Harambe Stars 3-0 on Monday night to make it to the round of 16.
A second half brace from Liverpool talisman Mane plus another from Ismaila Sarr were all coach Aliou Cissé’s Senegal needed to seal the encounter with the Cranes, who had earlier on qualified from Group A in second following a 2-0 win over DR Congo, a draw with Zimbabwe and a 2-0 to hosts Egypt.
Senegal had already defeated Tanzania 2-0 in their Group C opener before falling to Algeria 1-0 to finish on six points, behind group leaders Algeria.
Cranes vs Lions of Teranga will be played on Friday, July 5 at 10PM local time at the Cairo International Stadium, Cairo.
Previous Cranes results against Senegal
Jan 13 2001: Uganda 1-1 Senegal (Afcon Qualifier)
March 24 2001: Senegal 3-0 Uganda (Afcon Qualifier)
June 9 2012: Uganda 1-1 Senegal (Fifa World Cup)
Sept. 7 2013: Senegal 1-0 Uganda (Fifa World Cup)
June 5 2017: Senegal 0-0 Uganda (International Friendly)
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