Burundi, Uganda start 2019 AFCON campaign today

Two representatives of the Council for East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) Zone Burundi and Uganda will kick-start their campaigns in the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations today.

Uganda Cranes will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second Group A game at the Cairo International Stadium this afternoon. Egypt beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in the opening game of this group.

Sebastien Desabre, Uganda’s head coach has made it clear that their objective is to qualify for the knock out stage. “We need to make sure we get a good start in the tournament because this sets the momentum for us,” added the coach.

The Cranes will look to the experienced players like skipper and goalkeeper Denis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Godfrey Walusimbi, Micheal Azira and Emmanuel Okwi.

Burundi who will be making their first appearance at the AFCON will be up against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Alexandria.

Saido Berahino who features for Stoke City FC in England is expected to lead the Burundi team.

Berahino who made the decision to switch his allegiance to the country of his father’s birth, despite being eligible to play for England featured prominently in the qualifiers and scored the equalizing goal against Gabon in the first leg.