Cecafa: Uganda eyes place in last eight

By Fred Kaweesi

Today, Live on SS9E
South Sudan v Kenya 4pm
Uganda v Ethiopia 6pm

KAMPALA - Bobby Williamson will send out his charges against Ethiopia today with an ultimatum of plundering a victory that will guarantee automatic qualification to the Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup quarterfinals.

If the Cranes successfully overrun the 2013 Nations Cup finalists at Namboole Stadium tonight, then the Scot will afford to offer debuts to a number of his inexperienced youngsters in Friday’s ultimate group fixture against South Sudan.true

“We will play Ethiopia like it is a Cup final. We want to win all our games. Of course it will not be easy but the spirits are high in camp. We want to win it (the title) for Abbey Dhaira,” Cranes captain Hassan Wasswa stated.

Dhaira was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a nasty heady injury during Cranes 1-0 win over Kenya last Saturday.

With the exception of Dhaira, Williamson intends to retain the same side that started and humbled the Harambe Stars. However, the Scot will not hesitate making changes early in the game if Cranes give the ball away cheaply like they did against the Harambe Stars.

Cranes dispatched Kenya without major contributions from their out-and-out forwards Emmanuel Okwi, Brian Umony and Diego Kiiza.

In fact, Godfrey Kizito, fitted alongside Hassan Wasswa in a conventional midfield, was the heart and soul of the team’s progress against the Harambe Stars.true

Kizito did not only score the goal that proved the difference but dictated Cranes’ attacking play with good vision and link-play throughout the game.

But on an evening when Cranes faithful will be on the edge of their seats, the three strikers Okwi, Umony and Kiiza will be challenged to deliver against an Ethiopian side that thrives on possessing the ball and hitting the opposition on the counter.

The Ethiopians, who have previously exhibited finesse and astute movement on and off the ball, were a shadow of themselves against Southern Sudan.

Ethiopian coach Seyoum Kebede sounded concerned after his team’s display against South Sudan.

“It was good we won our opening match but we need to improve,” said Kebede.

The threat in Ethiopia’s ranks stems from striker Yonathan Kebede. Kebede struck against South Sudan.