The Pharaohs are overwhelming favorites to win the first friendly tournament against Uganda who beat DR Congo 1-0 on Friday to reach the final.

Egypt easily brushed aside the majority of opponents in the tournament, thumping Tanzania, Burundi and Kenya en route to the final on home soil. Uganda, however, posed the sternest test for the hosts.  

The African champions needed a last-gasp goal from forward Mohamed Nagy ‘Gedo’ to break down the stubborn defense of Uganda and claim a 1-0 victory in their second Group A game.

“Uganda are better than DR Congo because they follow the instructions of their coach,” Shehata, whose Egypt side is preparing for a crunch Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifier against South Africa in March, said in a television interview.

“They close down spaces well at the back and rely on counter attacks. We will heavily benefit from playing against them.”

Egypt will also face the United States in a friendly next month in their last warm-up for the South Africa clash.

Egypt lies at the bottom of Group G in the 2012 CAN qualifiers with just one point from two games. South Africa are on top with four points, one ahead of Niger and two clear of Sierra Leone.