AFCON 2017 (Group D):
Saturday, 21st January 2017
Egypt Vs Uganda – Port Gentil Stadium (10 p.m – Uganda, 8 p.m – Gabon)
Uganda Cranes stocky player Hassan Wasswa Mawanda is not only a bully to the opposition for his stature, he is composed on the ball, a perfect team leader and also a utility player.
Recently signed by Lebanese side Nejmeh Football Club, the dread-locked player was one of the shining players for Uganda Cranes in the 1-0 defeat to Ghana Black Stars on Tuesday evening.
Usually employed as a defensive midfielder, Wasswa has of late been playing in the heart of the Uganda Cranes defense line.
The global trotter who has almost played in over 10 clubs on three different continents has echoed his voice to teammates ahead of the Egypt match on Saturday.
Wasswa has demanded for spirited display from his teammates and a complete overhaul in the mindset against the Pharaohs.
In an exclusive interview held at the team base (Hotel Du Parc) in Port Gentil City, Wasswa in his typical assertive mode noted;
They are more or less like us. We can easily match them because we are also good enough and have the quality.
We only have to believe in ourselves and play according to the instructions from the coach and technical team.
In the same vein, he calls upon a performance that the Uganda Cranes exhibited in the second half of the match against Ghana.
On the sandy playing surface in Port Gentil, Wasswa has less excuses since it is the same facility being used by the opponents.
Fine, we have not been used to the sand conditions but it is the same ground that our opponents are also using.
Ceteris Paribas, Wasswa will have a new partner against Egypt with the timely return of Murushid Jjuuko from suspension.
Jjuuko was suspended against Ghana alongside midfielder Khalid Aucho after accumulating cautions from the qualification campaign.
Against Egypt, Wasswa and company will line up against intelligent and fast thinking pacy players at the Port Gentil stadium on Saturday night.
Uganda needs to avoid defeat to have a chance of progressing to the quarter finals.
The final Group D game for Uganda Cranes will be played in Oyem, against the physically endowed Malians.
