Rwanda host Uganda Cranes in tricky FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier

It’s a big one in the CECAFA region as Rwanda host Uganda Cranes in a Group E match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers this afternoon at the Nyamirambo Stadium in Kigali

After losing 1-0 away to Mali and drawing 1-1 at home to Kenya, the Amavubi Stars are hungry to pick their first win in the campaign.

“We know playing Uganda is always tough, but the team is determined and prepared to get a good result,” said Rwanda’s head coach Vincent Mashami.

The Rwanda coach who led Rwanda to the quarter final stage at the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) early this year in Cameroon said that they will have to take their chances.

But Uganda’s coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic who also handled the Amavubi few years ago said that they are determined to pick six points from the two back to back matches against Rwanda.

“We are going for nothing less than two wins against the Amavubi Stars. What gives us confidence is the fact that we have played many derbies and won, so the players are ready for Rwanda,” said Uganda’s captain Khalid Aucho.

Uganda started their campaign with a goalless draw away to Kenya, before picking a similar result against Mali in Kampala. The other Group E match to be played today will see Mali face Kenya in a match to be played at the Grande Stade d’Agadir in Morocco.

Tanzania who lead Group J will also host Benin at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The Taifa Stars started the campaign with a 1-1 draw away to DR Congo before defeating Madagascar 3-2 in Dar es Salaam.

Meanwhile Sudan picked their first point in the World Cup qualifier after a 1-1 draw against Guinea on Wednesday night.  Mohamed Bayo scored for Guinea after 56 minutes at the Grande State Marrakech in Morocco. But Sudan fought back to level matters through Seif Teiri after 73 minutes.

Action will continue tomorrow with CECAFA teams Djibouti hosting Burkina Faso in a Group A match, while Ethiopia face South Africa in a group G match at the Bahir Dar Stadium.