Arch-rivals Uganda, Tanzania face-off in crucial 2023 AFCON qualifier

Uganda Cranes will host arch-rivals Tanzania in a Group F match of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Because Uganda has no approved Stadium to host the AFCON qualifiers as yet, the crucial match takes place at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt today evening.

Although history favours Uganda having won 32 matches, drew 16 and losing 13 in their previous 61 meetings, the Taifa Stars have promised to go all out to prove a point.

Mbwana Ally Samatta, the Taifa Stars skipper admits that facing Uganda has always proved a hard nut. “We know playing Uganda is always not simple, but we have prepared well and are ready to give our best. The morale is very high,” added the Belgium based professional.

While Uganda ejected Tanzania in the final phase to qualify for the 2022 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) last year, the Taifa Stars picked a 1-0 win few months ago against their rivals in an International friendly played in Libya.

Tanzania’s newly appointed coach Adel Amrouche made it clear that although they have not had a lot of time to train, the team is motivated to go and get the results. “We shall fight for the win,” added Amrouche.

Uganda’s head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic also made it clear that it will not be an easy match. “When you play against your neighbours, you know them and they know you so it’s small details that decide games and we shall do all possible to see those details work on our side,” he added.

The Uganda Cranes coach made it clear that the small details will determine which team wins the match. While Samatta is expected to lead the Taifa Stars, experienced players Emmanuel Okwi and Khalid Aucho are expected to play instrumental roles for the Uganda Cranes team.

Both Uganda and Tanzania have picked only one point from the two matches each team has played. The two teams will again clash in the return leg on March 28^th at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Last night Algeria mentioned their lead in Group F after a hard fought 2-1 win against second placed Niger

CECAFA second team in action tonight will be Ethiopia who play an away match against Guinea. The Group D match will be played at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. Although all the four teams in the group have 3 points, Ethiopia are top with a better goal difference.