Can the Uganda Cranes repeat '78 form?

Can Uganda emulate its glowing 1978 performance with a final Africa Cup of Nations group win?

Every Ugandan is praying this question is positively answered when the Cranes face favourites Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night.

At the eleventh edition of the biennial tournament, just like this year, Uganda turned up as underdogs only to upstage the heavyweights.

That time the Cranes started off with a 3-0 win over highly rated Congo thanks to Phillip Omondi, Eddy Ssemwanga and Godfrey Kisitu goals.

Excitement then got to the Ugandans heads and they were thrashed 3-1 in their second game.

Then in one of the biggest Nations Cup recoveries, they bounced back by humiliating giants Morocco 3-0.

Those who believe that the Cranes can pull off a shock on Sunday cite Uganda's run in the current tournament.

While the 1978 team lost its second game, the current side put up a hard fight in its game two to hold a strong Zimbabwe side.

Now with four points, the Cranes have virtually already booked a place in the last 16.

"Uganda has now got to that stage when it can stand up to any kind of opposition on the continent. Don't rule out an upset," noted 1978 legend Paul Ssali.

But going by the hard facts on the ground, that could well be wishful thinking.

There are all indications that the Pharaohs are determined to crush everything in their way in their quest to regain their status as African kings.

The record seven-time champions Egypt, currently ranked a distant eighth in Africa, last won the coveted title nine years ago.

Egypt indeed started off by beating southern African giants Zimbabwe then two-time champions DR Congo.

Statistics of previous encounters between the two nations are also hugely in favour of the North African state.

The Pharaohs have out of 20 matches won a record 15, drawn thrice and lost only twice. But Ssali, even with all these odds swinging in Egypt's favour, is still confident Uganda can pull off an upset.

"We only have to put certain things right, then Egypt will fall," stated Ssali and 1978 team-mate Tom Lwanga and another ex-international Sam Ssimbwa.

Seriousness at the back

For starters, the former stars want Murushid Juuko back in the defence line.

"There was a lot of laxity," noted Ssimbwa explaining Uganda will have to close down the spaces.

Lwanga who played in central defence with Jimmy Kirunda in 1978, believes that if Uganda can contain Hassan Mohmoud "Trezeguet" and Liverpool star Mohammed Salah, then defeating Egypt will be a possibility.

Study the opposition

Ssimbwa insists that the Cranes should take time and study the opposition and produce countermeasures.

"In the Zimbabwe match, there was nothing to show that Uganda had studied the opposition. We were exposed."

Attacking substitutes

Ssimbwa is also against the idea of introducing defenders when the team is under pressure.

"When you bring on defenders you instead mount even more pressure on yourselves. You need to bring on people who can hold onto the ball to engage the opponents. Remember the best way to defend is by attacking. Players like Allan Kateregga and Kizito Luwagga would help the team a great deal in such desperate situations."