Rwanda vs Uganda

The Uganda Cranes will be desperate for all three points when they take on Rwanda in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Uganda currently sit third in group E of the African qualifiers with just two points from as many games.

They drew 0-0 away to Kenya in their first encounter before holding onto a point at home to Mali, in a game that the Cranes finished with 10 men after defender Murushid Juuko was sent off for a stupid foul, in the second half.

The performance in those two encounters has left a lot to be desired and pressure has already started mounting on returning head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.

With current group leaders Mali at home to Kenya on the same day, Uganda knows that they can not afford any slip-ups as they could find themselves five points off the pace if results do not go their way.

However, looking at the performances in the first two games, there is nothing to suggest that the Cranes will indeed put up a good show and bag all three points in Kigali.

For Rwanda, they also find themselves in an identical situation like Uganda.

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The Amavubi Stars sit bottom of the group with just a single point to show. The point came in their last game as they drew 1-1 with Kenya.

That was consolation for their loss to Mali in game one and they will be hoping to build on that to ensure they come up with their first victory of the campaign.

Against Uganda, nothing will come easy as they face their East African neighbours in a derby of-sorts.

Team News

Uganda will be without the suspended Juuko who was sent off against Mali.

Captain Emmanuel Okwi is also absent as he was not called up after failing to find a club in time for the qualifiers.

Left-back Joseph Ochaya and striker Derrick Nsibambi are also not part of the team.

The good news for Uganda is that midfielder Tadeo Lwanga who missed the first two games through injury is now available.

For Rwanda, they have no major absentees for the game with the majority of the squad that draw with Kenya in the last game, present.

Head coach Vincent Mashami summoned 12 foreign-based players who he hopes can lead his side to glory on Thursday.

Rwanda vs Uganda

“We are looking forward to having positive performances against Rwanda, both in Kigali and at home. The passion and the patriotism of the players is very high and they are ready to make Ugandans proud. With due respect to Rwanda, our target is to get maximum points, nothing less than that.” Milutin Sredojevic.

“This is a very important game for both teams as they currently occupy the two bottom spots in the group. We come into the game knowing what we are required to do and we will try to achieve exactly that. Uganda is a good footballing nation and we respect them but I am optimistic we will take care of them with the help of home advantage.” Vincent Mashami.