Uganda face Togo in Group B of the Total African Nations Championship, as both nations look to grab their first win of the tournament.
Togo fell to a 1-0 defeat against defending champions Morocco in their opening game, while Uganda played out a disappointing goalless draw with Rwanda at the Douala Reunification Stadium.
Match preview
With five CHAN appearances, Uganda are one of the most experienced sides at the tournament, and they are led by renowned head coach Johnathan McKinstry.
The Northern Irishman, who became the youngest international manager in history at the age of 27, was appointed head coach of the Uganda national team in September 2019, following a two-year stint with Bangladesh-based club Saif Sporting Club.
After leading the Cranes to a first-placed finish in the warm-up friendly competition organised by Cameroon, Uganda opened their CHAN campaign with a bore draw against the Wasps of Rwanda.
McKinstry will have to return to the drawing board after his side's poor outing, knowing more dropped points will be a huge blow to their dream of a quarter-finals place.
Uganda have never progressed from the group stages of this tournament, and they will be aiming to end this poor cycle, starting with a win on Friday night.
Togo, on the other hand, are making their first African Nation Championship appearance, after they stunned the Eagles of Nigeria to a 4-3 victory in the qualifiers.
Les Eperviers suffered a 1-0 defeat to Morocco in their opening Group C game, after Wydad Casablanca star Yahya Jabrane beat goalkeeper Abdoul Moubarak Aigba from the penalty spot in the 27th minute.
Despite the defeat, head coach Jean-Paul Abalo will be impressed by his side's performance, as they took the game to the defending champions and came close to scoring on a few occasions.
Togo have been impressive against Uganda in their last five meetings, having secured three wins and two defeats, while keeping clean sheets in all three victories.
Uganda will aim to take full advantage of the Togolese's poor form, however, as they are currently winless in each of their last nine matches across all competitions.
Uganda African Nations Championship form: D
Uganda form (all competitions): WLDWWD
Togo African Nations Championship form: L
Togo form (all competitions): DDLLDL
Team News
Milton Karisa's injury will be a huge blow for Uganda, as the Vipers SC playmaker was stretchered off in the 14th minute through injury against Rwanda.
The omission of Tony Mawejje from the starting XI on Monday came as a surprise, but the veteran midfielder is expected to return to the starting XI against Togo.
Besides Kokouvi Amekoudji, who picked up a knock against Morocco, Togo have a full strength squad heading into this fixture.
Claude Le Roy will most likely stick to the same starting XI that started last time out, meaning Gnama Akate will once again lead the line on Friday.
Uganda possible starting lineup:
Lukwago; Willa, Mujuzi, Mbowa, Kayondo; Ojera, Watambala, Anukani, Sekajugo; Karisa, Kagimu
Togo possible starting lineup:
Aigba; Zonor, Issifou, Toudji, Madjedje; Amekoudji, Akate; Nane, Agoro, Adjahli; Tchakei
We say: Uganda 1-0 Togo
The Cranes of Uganda were unlucky not to grab all three points in their last time out, and they will look to make amends when they take on an inexperienced Togo side, who are currently enduring a nine-game winless run.
Top betting tip
Joshua Ojele
