Cranes target qualification

By Reuben Olita in Nairobi

CECAFA Challenge Cup

Sudan v Rwanda 2pm

Uganda v Eritrea 4.30pm

UGANDA Cranes will be hoping to qualify for the quarterfinals of the GOtv Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup when they take on Eritea’s Red Sea Camels in their second preliminary round match today.

With Emmanuel Okwi out of the team due to injury, lethal striker Dan Sserunkuma will once again be the hope for the Cranes to win the match and secure a ticket to the quarterfinals.

The Kenya league champions Gor Mahia player rescued Uganda from an imminent draw when he notched a goal with only a minute left on the clock to earn the team a 1-0 victory over archrivals Rwanda on Friday.

The diminutive striker is upbeat that he has the ability to spearhead his country to yet another memorable afternoon.

“I hope I will not let down our fans, majority of whom have travelled all the way from Uganda to cheer us.”

“The team morale is high and we are going to ensure that we continue with our majestic march to our 14th title and the second on Kenyan soil in four years,” Sserunkuma said.

Head coach Micho Sredojevic believes Sserunkuma will continue with his scoring magic for the team that came for the tournament with only four survivors of the last tournament which was held in Kampala.

The encounter between the two nations revives the memories of 2010 when Eritrea beat Uganda in the U-20 CECAFA final. The majority of the Eritria players who featured for the team have graduated into the senior team.

CECAFA secretary general Nicholas Musonye has lauded the Cranes and other teams in the competition for their good run which was a pointer that the oldest regional soccer tournament had now transformed itself into a major event.

Eritrea eliminated Rwanda during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in November 2011 after drawing 1-1 in Kigali and winning 1-0 at home.

Cranes tactician Micho said that apart from Geoffrey Kizito, Emmanuel Okwi, Vincent Kayizzi and Hamis Kizza, the rest of the players in the team are making their debuts in the championship.

Although admitting that the team may be inexperienced compared to the rivals, the Serbian exuded confidence that his charges will make an impact.

Cranes last matches moved Uganda Cranes will play their last preliminary group matches in Nairobi and Nakuru. 

They face Eritrea in Nairobi today and Sudan in Nakuru on Thursday. 

Probable XI: Benjamin Ochan, Geoffrey Kizito, Nicholas Wadada, Geoffrey Walusimbi, Savio Kabugo, Richard Kasagga, Khalid Awucho, Hamisi Kiiza, Joseph Mpande, Dan Sserunkuma, Brian Majwega

Substitutes: Isaac Muleme, Vincent Kayizi, Said Kyeune.