How the Cranes measure up against Zimbabwe

Big games are often decided by big moments and big personalities. As far as Cranes' prospects at the 2019 Africa Nations Cup are concerned, the stage can't get any bigger than today's explosive fixture against Zimbabwe at Cairo International Stadium.

So, with both nations certain to roll out their biggest personalities, there will be a number of mouth-watering head-to-head match-ups on display.

This is a guide on how the two sides will measure up. 

Goalkeepers Denis Onyango (Sundowns, South Africa) v Edmore Sibanda (Witsbank Spurs, South Africa)

Onyango is Africa Player of the Year based in Africa. He is also a CAF Champions League winner. He is a top quality goalkeeper with vast experience. But who is Sibanda? Nothing much. He's an average goalkeeper at South Africa's National First Division club Witbank Spurs. He sustained a right knee contusion injury and was highly doubtful for this game. Even if Sibanda makes it, he will struggle to deal with Cranes' rampant attacks. Advantage: Uganda 

Right-backs Bevis Mugabi (Yeovil Town, England) v Tendayi Darikwa (Nottingham Forest, England)

Mugabi was solid and provided good aerial cover against DR Congo but offered less going forward. On the other side, Darikwa offers Zimbabwe's attacking players support from the defensive third when possession is gained. Advantage: Zimbabwe 

Left-backs Godfrey Walusimbi (No club) v Divine Lunga (Golden Arrows, South Africa)

When fully fit, Walusimbi is a fine full-back that can support the team's offensive play with brilliant and incisive runs into the opponent's defensive half. Despite being inactive since January, he looked decent against DR Congo. On the other side, Lunga has been competive for the Golden Arrows. He is a swift full-back that uses his left foot well. He successfully dealt with Egyptian star Mo Salah in their first game. Advantage: Zimbabwe 

Central defenders (Man markers) Hassan Wasswa (No club) v Teenage Hadebe (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)

Just like Walusimbi, Wasswa has been inactive but save for one or two moments, he barely put a foot wrong against DR Congo. When fully fit, he is really strong and cannot be bullied. On the other hand, Hadebe is equally strong. He passes the ball well out of defence under pressure, is intelligent and has good aerial strength. Advantage: Zimbabwe 

Central defenders (liberos) Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania) v Marshall Munetsi (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

Juuko is elegant. He also reads the game well but sometimes unnecessarily rushes into tackles. Munetsi on the other hand is as solid as a rock. He can be too aggressive sometimes and that could play in Cranes favour. Advantage: Zimbabwe 

Holding midfielders Khalid Aucho (Churchill Brothers, India) v Alec Mudimu (Cefn Druids, Wales)

Aucho is combative, aggressive and offers good balance between the team's defence and attacking play. He tucks in well when the ball is lost and gives good width when it is regained. On the other side, Mudimu has presence. His tackling and clever positioning often allows Billiat the opportunity to conduct proceedings but wears out along the way. Advantage: Uganda 

Conventional midfielders Mike Azira (Montreal Impact, Canada) v Ovidy Karuru (Amazulu, South Africa)

Azira has great vision and passes the ball well out to the attackers. Against DR Congo, he covered more ground than anyone, often switching on either flanks to provide added cover for the full-backs. Karuru, on the other hand, grew up playing street cricket in Zimbabwe but has grown into a decent midfielder. He is elegant and comfortable when moving in possession. Advantage: Uganda 

Creative midfielder/support striker Farouk Miya (Gorica, Croatia) v Knowledge Musona (Anderlecht, Belgium)

Miya is Cranes' potential match-winner. He drops off the lead striker well to link up with the team's three-man midfield and the results have been priceless. His dead-ball skills are second to none. When he clicks, Cranes are unplayable. On the other side, Musona has the experience. He can play as a winger or striker. Unlike Miya, Musona has however struggled for game time at Anderlecht and had to be loaned to Lokeren this season. Advantage: Uganda 

Right attackers Abdu Lumala (Syrianska, Sweden) v Marvelous Nakamba (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Lumala has good fitness levels. He has impressed since joining the team. His pace and incisive runs are quite a handful. But Nakamba is equally good if not much better for Zimbabwe. Aston Villa are already interested in the Zimbabwean international who earned rave reviews in Belgium with Club Brugge. Advantage: Zimbabwe 

Lead strikers Patrick Kaddu (KCCA, Uganda) and Nyasha Mushekwi (Dalian Yifang, China)

Kaddu is a predator. He has good movement around the box and is such a good header of the ball. Mushekwi can also be a handful. He also has good physical attributes. Advantage: Uganda 

Left attackers Emmanuel Okwi (Simba, Tanzania) v Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)

Okwi often looks to hit the space behind teams that play the high-line. He seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch. Billiat on the other hand, thrives on intelligent movement and keeps fullbacks occupied with pace, technique and vision. He is the heart and soul of this Zimbabwean team. Advantage: Zimbabwe