This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
Uganda's Cranes secured a spot in the last 16 of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after finishing second in Group A, despite losing 2-0 to Egypt on June 30, 2019, at the Cairo International Stadium.
Uganda's coach Sebastien Desabre made three changes to the team that started against Zimbabwe, with Nicholas Wadada, Timothy Awany, and Allan Kyambadde replacing Bevis Mugabi, Ronald Mukiibi, and Patrick Kaddu.
Despite the changes, Uganda's Cranes showed no nerves in the first half, with Miya, Kyambadde, Emmanuel Okwi, and Abdu Lumala causing trouble for Egypt's defense.
However, it was Egypt's more experienced players who scored the goals, with Mohamed Salah receiving a free-kick and sending the ball over the Uganda wall and beyond Denis Onyango in the 35th minute.
Uganda searched for the equalizer, but Egypt responded with a second goal through Ayman Elsayed's cross, which was thumped in by Ahmed Elmohamady for a 2-0 half-time lead.
Uganda's goalkeeper Denis Onyango had to be at his best after recess, rushing out to thwart Salah one-on-one and saving a volley from close range by Miya.
Despite surviving an own goal after Khalid Aucho's shot off a Miya freekick, Egypt held on for maximum points.
Uganda's encouraging news is that they have at least one more game to correct their mistakes, but the worrying news is that they face an anxious wait to know the extent of injuries to Onyango and Aucho.
Uganda's knockout match against Senegal or Kenya is scheduled for Friday at the Cairo International Stadium.
