The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released details of Egypt's upcoming matches against Uganda in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, with the first meeting set for 31 August in Uganda. Egypt and Uganda will meet in Group E in the tournament's third matchday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, the CAF announced on Monday. The two nations will meet again on 5 September at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab stadium. Mauritanian referee Lemghaifry Bouchaab will officiate in Kampala, while South African referee Victor Miguel de Freitas Gomes will oversee the Alexandria match, said the CAF. Topping Group E with six points, the Pharaohs are looking for a victory in the Ugandan capital to boost their qualification chances. Having beaten Congo 2-1 away from home and group rivals Ghana 2-0 at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium, Hector Cuper's men are eyeing their third win in three matches. Egypt are favourites to secure full points against Uganda and Congo at home, and the 2017 Cup of Nations runners-up know a win in Kampala would give their World Cup qualifying chances a huge boost. The two sides met in this year's Cup of Nations in Gabon, with Egypt securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a late strike from playmaker Abdallah El-Said in the group stage. Uganda are currently second in the group with four points, two ahead of third-placed Ghana. Egypt last made it to the World Cup in 1990 and hope to end their 28-year wait with an appearance in Russia next year.
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