Rwanda take on local rivals Uganda in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stages, as bragging rights are on the line for both nations representing the Eastern African region.
The Cranes of Uganda will aim to build on their successful invitational friendly tournament run, where they finished first with two wins and one draw in three outings, and grab all three points on Monday.
Match preview
Having missed out on the maiden edition of the African Nations Championship in 2009, Uganda made their debut appearance in 2011 in Sudan, and have become a regular face at the continental tournament, participating in all subsequent editions.
However, they have never made it past the group stages, and head coach Johnathan McKinstry, who is also in charge of the Cranes' senior national team, will aim to bring an end to this poor run.
The Northern Irish manager was appointed head coach of the Uganda national team in September 2019, following stints with Sierra Leone and regional rivals Rwanda.
While at Sierra Leone, McKinstry became the youngest international manager in the world at age 27, as he led the Stars into the top 50 of the FIFA world rankings.
Uganda are clear favorites when they take on Rwanda, having secured six wins and two draws in the last 10 meetings, while also keeping six clean sheets in the process.
On the other hand, Rwanda booked their fourth appearance at the African Nations Championship thanks to a 1-0 first-leg victory over Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home in the return leg.
The Wasps' best CHAN finish came in 2016, when they hosted the tournament and were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Congo DR.
With both nations taking part in pre-tournament friendlies, Rwanda fell to a 3-2 defeat over two legs against Congo-Brazzaville, while Uganda finished first with seven points at the invitational tournament in Douala, where they faced Cameroon, Niger and Zambia.
Rwanda form (all competitions): DDDDDL
Uganda form (all competitions): WWLDWW
Team News
There are a few shock omissions in the Rwanda final 30-man squad, with the likes of Police FC's
Patrick Sibomana and SC Kiyovu's full-back Ally Serumogo dropped by head coach Vincent Mashami.
AS Kigali midfielder Nsabimana Eric, popularly known as Zidane, will be the star man at the center of the park for Rwanda, while Rayon Sports forward Sugira Ernest is expected to lead the attack.
Twizerimana Martin Fabrice scored both goals in the first-leg draw with Congo-Brazzaville, and the Police FC midfielder is expected to retain his spot in the starting lineup on Monday.
As for Uganda, Police FC's veteran midfielder Tonny Mawejje has been recalled to the Uganda national team after a three-year absence, as Johnathan McKinstry looks to balance youth with experience.
Rwanda possible starting lineup:
Olivier; Ange, Faustin, Emery, Thierry; Olivier, Eric, Fabrice; Lague, Bertrand, Ernest
Uganda possible starting lineup:
Mutakubwa; Muhamud, Mujuzi, Willa, Halid, Kayondo; Kagimu, Mawejje, Bobosi; Karisa, Ssekajugo
We say: Rwanda 0-2 Uganda
Uganda are coming off a superb friendly tournament run where they showed glimpses of things to come, and considering their solid record against the Wasps of Rwanda, the Cranes should comfortably grab all three points on Monday.
Top betting tip
Joshua Ojele
