By Robert Kayindi James
Uganda Cranes will today battle it out with Zimbabwe in the final group D game at the ongoing Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) in Rwanda.
With Uganda sitting third on the log of pool D with just one point and a goal deficit of one, it surely is no position to begin counting their chicks before they can hatch.
First and foremost, the Cranes must beat the Warriors by not less than a two goal margin so as to make four points with a one goal difference.
Secondly, Uganda must be on their knees praying that Zambia beat Mali in the corresponding fixture of pool D.
Zambia lead the group with six points and have already confirmed their qualification to the knockout stages of the competition but Mali need just a point to reach the same stage.
Therefore, a draw against the Chipolopolo of Zambia will work in favour of the Eagles of Mali taking them to a tally of five points in second position but at the expense of the Uganda Cranes who will have no other choice other than packing their bags back home, just like Nigeria did last night.
With all that in account, there is also another possibility of Uganda and Mali ending the day on the same points (4pts), same goals and same head-to-head, should the Cranes beat Zimbabwe by just 1-0 and Mali lose to Zambia by a similar score line.
Uganda probable XI: James Alitho, Richard Kassaga, Bernard Muwanga, Joseph Ochaya, Joseph Nsubuga, Ivan Ntege, Timothy Awany, Keziron Kizito, Farouk Miya (captain), Erisa Ssekisambu, Geoffrey Sserunkuma
Substitutes: Mathias Kigonya,, Hassan Wasswa ‘Dazo’, Denis Okot, Isaac Muleme, Martin Kizza, Ambrose Kirya, Edrisa Lubega, Caesar Okhuti, Robert Ssentongo, Frank Kalanda
African Nations Championship (CHAN): Group D Final Fixtures
Uganda v Zimbabwe – Umuganda, Gisenyi (SS9, 5PM)
Zambia v Mali – Nyamirambo (SS Select, 5PM)
Pool D table standings:
Zambia 6 points
Mali 4 points
Uganda 1 point
Zimbabwe 0 point