Prediction: Uganda vs Senegal

Verdict: Sadio Mane to score.

Best odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

Uganda and Senegal are set to cross swords on Friday at the International Stadium in Cairo, in the round of 16 of this year’s edition of the African Cup of Nations.

Uganda

Uganda started the tournament brightly as they beat DR Congo in the opening round, but then they went on to draw against Zimbabwe before losing to hosts Egypt. They therefore finished as the second team in group A with four points to their name. Coming into the knockout stages on such a downward track may act as a burden on their players.

They’ve so far conceded the same number of goals as they scored, and their wastefulness in front of goal turned out costly against Egypt. It remains to be seen how many chances they’ll get this time around.

Team News

Neither team have any notable absentees for this clash, but striker Emmanuel Okwi might get dropped from the starting XI following a very poor performance against Egypt. Lamala Abdu may come in instead, or coach Sebastian Desabre may choose to field both of them together.

Senegal

Senegal also started the tournament well by beating Tanzania, but then they suffered defeat at the hands of Algeria and needed a win against Kenya in the final round to secure progress. They delivered in that game, however, and are now back on track as one of the favourites to win the trophy.

Most people see them as the clear favourites to win this game, but coach Aliou Cisse has warned his team that Uganda have shown a lot of improvement recently and will pose a difficult task for them.

Team News

There are no obvious reasons for Cisse to change anything in regards to the team that performed very well in their last match, which means that the pair of Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr should be the main attacking threat with their pace and direct play around striker M’Baye Niang.

Conclusion

Regardless of Cisse’s words, wise words though they are in themselves, it would really be a huge surprise to see the game end in anything other than a Senegal win, and Mane is likely to be on the scoresheet again.

Verdict: Sadio Mane to score.

Best odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: Bet365