Mathematics to determine Group A qualifiers
The teams that will qualify for the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup semi-finals from group A will be known on Friday. Three of the four teams playing on Friday stand a chance of clinching the second chance remaining in the group. Each will need to win, and a dose of mathematics, to enter the last four of the tournament that started on December 31, 2008.
Uganda, led by Scottish coach Robert Williamson, and Tanzania, under Brazilian coach Marcio Maximo, face off in the first match.
Rwanda, coached by Croatian Branko Tucak face Zanzibar, led by Egyptian coach Badr - El Din. Uganda have already qualified, and only once chance is up for grabs for the remaining three teams.
Zanzibar, the 1995 champions, face 1999 champions Rwanda. Zanzibar have four points; they must win and await the result of the second match to qualify.
Uganda, on seven points, face Tanzania, on six face off in the second match. Zanzibar need to beat Rwanda by at least 2-0 and pray that Uganda defeats Tanzania.
Should Tanzania hold Uganda, Zanzibar could be forced out, depending on goal difference. Zanzibar coach Badr El Din said they were ready to defeat Rwanda by at least 3-0 and wait for the mathematics after the Tanzania and Uganda match.
My boys will go into attack, score early goals, defeat Rwanda and pray Uganda beats Tanzania, he said.
Tanzania coach Maximo said his players would play an offensive game because they would be at a disadvantage playing Uganda before home fans.
My boys will defy Cranes home advantage, score goals and cool the tempo against the fast running Ugandans, he said.
Uganda, on seven points, are certain of playing the semi-finals unless a miracle happens and will want to please home fans by leading group.
Uganda coach Williamson said his player were in high spirit ahead of the clash with the formidable Tanzanians. Tanzania lost 2-0 to Somalia but recovered to beat Zanzibar 2-1 and Rwanda 2-0.
We cannot take Tanzania for granted using the setback they suffered to Somalia, he said. Williamson said he wanted the Cranes is to win and top group A.
A goalless draw in both matches will put Uganda on top with eight points and Tanzania on seven to the semi-finals. Uganda, nine-time champions, have a clean sheet with eight goals.
Rwandas Amavubi Stars face the biggest task of trouncing Zanzibar by 4-0 and pray that Uganda defeat Tanzania 6-0.
Amavubi coach Branko Tucak said Rwanda would defy all odds to prove that they can put up a fight to finish the tournament in an honorable position.