- Saturday August 19, 2017
- Rwanda Vs Uganda – Regional stadium, Nyamirambo @ 4pm
- [Uganda Cranes Lead 3-0 from the first leg]
Uganda Cranes seek job completion against Rwanda’s Amavubi to reach record fourth consecutive Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) finals.
Muzamiru Mutyaba (2) and Derrick Nsibambi goals in the first leg at St. Mary’s stadium, Kitende gave Uganda a three-goal advantage and the Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba coached side have one foot in Kenya.
However, Basena has consistently warned his charges against thinking the job is done and has always insisted it’s only half time.
“We can’t get complacent,” he said. “The job is only half done and we still have 90 minutes to play off. Anything can happen,” he added.
But the former Coffee and SC Villa player remains confident the boys will complete the task in Kigali.
“For all this week, our focus has been on how to possess the ball and how we fight for it if we lose possession. I have utmost confidence in the boys to do the job.”
His counterpart Antoine Hey has taken pressure off his charges by insisting the pressure is on Uganda Cranes.
“We are ready for the game,” he told the press. “We are under no pressure going into the game,” he added.
“The pressure is with Uganda Cranes since everyone thinks they are already through.”
Team News
Rwanda will miss the services of striker Ernest Sugira through injury whilst central defender Aimable Rucogoza and striker Mubumbyi Barnabe are all suspended.
Uganda have no defender Savio Kabugo who is reportedly away for trials and so is striker Muhammad Shaban who is out injured.
Good news though is the return of defender Timothy Awany and attacking midfielders Simon Sserunkuma and Martin Kizza – the trio missed the first leg.
Stats
- Uganda Cranes have only missed on playing the Chan final tournament once – the inaugural championship in 2009.
- Rwanda has won 10 against Uganda’s 15 while there have been 7 draws between the two sides – all competitions including friendlies.
- Uganda Cranes last suffered a loss against Rwanda in 2007 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup
- The Cranes have only lost to Rwanda by more than two goals on a single occasion – 3-2 in CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2001.
- The previous seven meetings have produced 6 wins for Uganda and one draw.
Uganda Cranes Probable XI
Ismail Watenga (GK), Nicholas Wadada, Isaac Muleme, Timothy Awany, Paul Musamali, Deus Bukenya, Bernard Muwanga (C), Moses Waiswa, Milton Kariisa, Derrick Nsibambi and Muzamiru Mutyaba.
