U-20 AFCON qualifier: Uganda v Rwanda

Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifiers

Today, 4pm Uganda v Rwanda

Club International friendly 2pm KCCA v A.E Ramasa (Spain)

Charges: Stands (sh10,000), Pavilion (sh20,000)

Strikers Shaban Mohammed and Idris Lubega are expected to spearhead Uganda Hippos' attack at Namboole Stadium today as they seek to progress past Rwanda in the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Uganda held Rwanda's Junior Wasps 1-1 in Kigali a fortnight ago and need a win or even goalless draw to qualify to the next stage.

On Thursday, the team's head coach Kefa Kisala sounded very confident of progressing. He hopes to make changes in the team that played in Rwanda with more focus on attack-minded players.

"We shall have a number of changes and our hopes are high. We need to score early in the game," he said.

Kisala will rely on Shaban, Lubega, Frank Tumwesigye, Pius Wanji, Eric Kimbowa, Halid Lwalira and Shafiq Kagimu to secure him the desired results.

The Hippos will have to be mindful that Rwanda dominated the second half of the first leg in Kigali with Jabber Imanishimwe, Kevin Muhire and Savio Nshuti in charge of proceedings.

The three and striker Laurent Iradukunda are likely to trouble the Hippos yet again.

The winner over the two legs will meet Egypt in a two legged semi-finals next month to determine who qualifies for finals of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations due in Zambia next February.

Last year, Uganda and Rwanda met in the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, where Uganda dumped Rwanda 4-1 on aggregate in the group stage of the qualifiers.

Meanwhile, before the Hippos game, KCCA FC will battle Spanish fourth division club Ramasa in an international friendly match.