Congo DR vs Uganda Predictions

Both DR Congo and Uganda will be trying to rival Egypt for top spot in this group, but can either of them stop the hosts this summer? Uganda are seen as outsiders in this group, while Congo will be hoping to make up for World Cup heartbreak when they step out for the first time in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. With an expanded format now open to 24 sides, there’s a different feel to the tournament.

Congo were pipped by Tunisia in their World Cup qualifying group ahead of the 2018 tournament, which has left a mark on many of these stars. Congo have a mix of youth and experience in their side, but for a few of their players that was their final chance to make it to a World Cup. For the likes of experienced defender Issama Mpeko and winger Yannick Bolasie, the 2022 tournament might just be beyond them. However, they have a massive chance to make up for that this summer.

Uganda made it to the previous Africa Cup of Nations, ending a long spell without success in this competition. They were runners-up in 1978, but they didn’t feature after that until 2017, when they went out in the group stage with a point to their name. Their form since has been mixed, but they did manage to top their qualifying group for this competition. Having booked their place at the tournament in Egypt this summer, just how far will Uganda go?

The problem for the Cranes is that they are lacking in attacking talent. Their main threat going forward is 21-year-old Farouk Miya, who incredibly has 59 caps and 22 international goals. He’s the focus of their attacks, but he was only able to score once at the previous tournament in 2017. Meanwhile, this is a Congo side packed with talent. In midfield, they have Chancel Mbemba and Youssouf Mulumbu acting as a defensive screen, while the backline has Wolfsburg man Marcel Tisserand and West Ham’s Arthur Masuaku.

However, that set up is just to offer protection while Yannick Bolasie, Cedric Bakambu and Tresor Mputu get forward. They have Britt Assombalonga on the bench if needed, which has helped them to one semi and one quarter-final at this tournament in the last four years. Congo have the talent, while they meet a Uganda side who lost two of their three games at this tournament two years ago. We think that Congo will have too much for Uganda in this clash, so we’re backing them for the victory.