CECAFA representatives Uganda Cranes and Burundi kicked started their campaign in the on-going 2019 Total Africa Cup of nations (AFCON) on Saturday with different results.

At the Cairo International Stadium Uganda brushed a side the democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 in a Group A match, while Burundi fell 1-0 to Nigeria in a Group B match played in Alexandria.

Patrick Henry Kaddu scored for Uganda after 30 minutes with a well taken headed goal, while Arnold Emmanuel Okwi made it 2-0 after 48 minutes. Both goals were assisted by Farouk Miya.

DR Congo lead by England based Yannick Bolasie Youssouf Mulumbu failed to get their act together as Uganda Cranes dominated play in all departments.

Head coach Sebastien Desabre said he was happy that they started the tournament with a win. Okwi was voted man of the match. Uganda will next face Zimbabwe on Wednesday.

In Alexandria Burundi played tight but conceded a goal against three-time winners Nigeria after 77 minutes. Second half substitute Odion Ighalo scored the only goal with a curled finish past Burundi goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana.

CECAFA’s other representatives Kenya and Tanzania will be in action in Group C on Sunday at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

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.