- Uganda Cranes Vs Rwanda – 10pm
- Morocco vs Togo – 7pm
Uganda Cranes will rekindle their football rivalry with neighbors Rwanda when they face off in the opening group C fixture of the Total CHAN tournament at Stade Reunification- Douala in Cameroon on Monday evening.
Football battles between the two nations always full of intensity, emotions, beautiful football and any other ingredients brewing for a classic derby.
Uganda Cranes Head coach Jonathan Mckinstry thus believes that his side can get the results needed if they play to their maximum.
“Every game is important. Every game is massive. If we play to our maximum level, we shall get the results we want. The CHAN tournament is where things can change very quickly. We believe we have players who can cause problems to our opponents in the group. First, let us get 3 points and continue planning for other matches,” McKinstry told FUFA media.
The Northern Irishman will face his former paymasters Rwanda for the first time since leaving the job in 2018.
During his tenure in Kigali as coach of the Amavubi Stars, Mckinstry achieved success in 2016 when he led hosts Rwanda to the Quarterfinals of the same CHAN tournament.
“I have an emotional attachment with Rwanda. I was head coach of Rwanda in 2016. We have one objective-when we play Rwanda-winning will be on our mind. The historical relationship will be put aside. If it is not playing against Uganda, i have always wanted Rwanda to do well. It is a big East African derby,” the Cranes coach said
“It is a big derby to start the tournament against Rwanda. Both countries are rivals. It is important for the players to know it is not about three points in the tournament but local bragging rights. Eighteen of the players played for me a couple of years ago. It is an experienced squad and hopefully my knowledge of the squad can get the results everyone at home and here are looking for,” he added.
The fun-filled evening kicks of with defending champions Morocco playing against Togo at the same stadium.
The post McKinstry Optimistic as Cranes Start CHAN Campaign Against Rwanda first appeared on ChimpReports.