David GOMBE
Uganda Cranes will renew their East African rivalry with Tanzania in the group C contest of the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night at the Stade El Madina in Rabat.
Both nations are seeking redemption following their defeats to Tunisia and Nigeria respectively.
Uganda suffered a 3-1 defeat to Tunisia while Tanzania lost 2-1 to three times African champions Nigeria.
In the Africa Cup of Nations, Uganda has previously struggled against East African opposition, losing to Ethiopia at the 1968 and 1976 editions.
For Tanzania, they have previously played once against Kenya in the AFCON, losing 3-2 to their East African rivals during the group stage of the 2019 edition.
Uganda Cranes attacker Allan Okello revealed the nation’s main objective is to get out of the group stage.
“We are focused on the next game. This is a tournament, so it is naturally difficult. Our objective remains is to get out of the group stage, and tomorrow we have to secure the result that will keep us in this competition and make our people proud back home.” Said Okello
Miguel Gamondi, Tanzania Coach targets historic win over Paul Put’s men
“It was a good start despite the result. A win would be historic. Uganda are not a giant, but they are not an average team either. As East African nations, we are quite close in the level of competitiveness. All our encounters have been very competitive. This will not be an easy game. They had a strong qualification campaign, so we are on the same level. The character and temperament will decide the game.” Asserted Gamondi
Key Stat
The two sides have faced each other 61 times across all competitions. Uganda have recorded 33 wins, Tanzania 12, with 16 draws.