As we get closer to these encounters, African football fans as well as managements of club sides are keenly watching the performance of their football icons. It is also an avenue to fish for fresh talents who are potential signings; agents are also keenly on the lookout for upstarts to manage for mutual benefits.
Later today alongside the much awaited match between the Atlas Lions of Morocco and the Squirrels of Benin, there is also going to be an encounter between one of West Africa's football giant, Senegal’s National team, nicknamed “the Lions of Teranga”, and Uganda’s National team nicknamed "the cranes of Uganda".
Senegal
Not surprising to many football fans not only in Africa but all over the world, the Lions of Teranga have cruised successfully to advance as the favorites among the group of 16. At this stage and point, a defeat would be a terrible blow for the likes of Sadio Mané’s ego and perhaps his club side Liverpool FC. Mane, who scored doubly against the match between Senegal and Kenya when it mattered most, is expected to lead the Terenga lions and conquer the Kenyans.
Uganda
Aliou Cisse, the coach of Senegal will definitely not allow hs players to underestimate the Ugandans. The Ugandan national team may be considered as underdogs, but nevertheless it will be foolhardy not to be wary of them. The tactical selection of his players by French man Sebastine Desabre, who is the Ugandan national coach made it difficult for the opposing teams to maneuver around. The Cranes may not be blessed with a reputable player in the category of Sadio Mane, but they have a great play maker in the person of Faruku Miya. Miya is a player that the Teranga Lions will have to be wary of, his ability to dribble and maneuver around opponent is amazing.
My thoughts
gone are the days when certain teams are regarded as walk over or simply regarded as threat-less. A perfect example is the match between Nigeria's National Team and Madagascar's. Virtually all football fans expected the Super Eagles to annihilate their nameless opponents, but that was not to be, it became a case of the "tail wagging the dog". The Lions of Teranga are expected to cruise to the next round by beating the Cranes of Uganda hands down, but like i said earlier, no team should be taken for granted because the surprises that do spring up nowadays by teams during matches is beyond comprehension. I think Senegal will win the encounter, it will not be easy but winning is a task that must be accomplished.
Who will give way, is it the menacing King of the Jungle, or the Long Legged king of the stream?
@askarju.
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