Cranes plan to stun Egyptians

Cranes are almost certain of a place in the knockout round of the Africa Nations Cup.

The four points registered from the last two games should be enough to earn Cranes a ticket to the last 16 as either runners up or among the best four of the six third-place finishers when the curtains fall on the final Group A games this evening.

The ideal situation though is either winning the third game against Egypt and progressing as group winners or playing out a draw for obvious qualification.

Tactical awareness key

And why not? For all Cranes' problems, there is reason to believe or dream of a possible upset against the Pharaohs.

All that Cranes simply need is show more tactical awareness at the back, play more productively through the middle and ensure the team's most creative players - Farouk Miya and Abdu Lumala - operate high up the pitch for more effectiveness.

The return of Murushid Juuko in place of Ronald Mukibi should offer the perfect springboard for both Khalid Aucho and Mike Azira to deal with Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet' Hassan, whose performance thus far has concealed Egypt's uninspiring displays.

The record seven-time champions have looked jaded, while despite scoring his first goal against the Leopards, Mo Salah has yet to find his usual rhythm.

But then again, Cranes shouldn't be fooled. Salah is not just any player. He is vital to how Egypt play and has the ability to show up at any one moment. His acceleration and footwork are unique qualities.

Just as he operates at Liverpool, the Pharaohs often look to release the ball to him early.

If Cranes sleep, Salah's immeasurable technical abilities will help him to either create goals for himself or set up any of the other attackers.

True, an inspired Cranes outfit nearly frustrated him in their second game at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. But that fateful game was incidentally decided by Salah.

The Liverpool star simply needed one moment of brilliance to play in Abdallah El Said with a reverse pass for the all-important goal.

He actually scored in the decisive World Cup qualifier against Uganda in Cairo in September 2017.

Cranes coach Sebastien Desabre must have worked out a system that will not only contain Salah but nullify him for the duration of the game.

In Gabon, Cranes almost achieved that, but collapsed because of a lapse in concentration. Godfrey Walusimbi patrolled and dealt with Salah during the 2018 World Cup qualifier in Kampala two years ago.

If he, or fellow full-back Bevis Mugabi can reproduce that script, then Cranes have every right to dream. The tournament will end with the finals on July 19.