CHAN 2020 Qualifiers – Second Round
Uganda vs Burundi
Stade Intwari, Bujumbura
Saturday, 21-09-2019 @4pm
The Uganda Cranes will be hoping to pick a positive result when they take on Burundi in the first leg of the 2020 CHAN second round qualifiers on Saturday afternoon.
Abdallah Mubiru’s side have spent two days in Bujumbura having jetted in on Thursday morning.
They have spent close to two weeks in camp, drawing 0-0 with the National U20 team in their only build up game.
Despite not playing several games before Saturday’s encounter, all the players on the team have been active with their respective clubs and should be able to compete ably.
What they are saying ahead of the game
John Revita, Cranes defender
“I promise all the fans that we are coming back with victory because all the players are in good physical and mental shape.
“We are lucky that we have no injury issues and the fact that we have been together for a while now, we will win the game.”
Abdallah Mubiru, Cranes head coach
“We thank God for the life and for the fact that the players are healthy and without any complaints.
“They are prepared to offer all they can so as we get the desired result.
“The weather condition is a bit hot but the two days we have been here have helped us cope up and hopefully we play a good game that will uphold our respect as a country.”
Uganda has in recent times been consistent during qualification for CHAN.
After losing to Tanzania in the second round of qualification and in the process, failing to reach the first edition of the finals in 2009, the Cranes have not failed to seal a spot in any of the last four finals (2011, 2014, 2016 and 2018).
To reach the last edition in Morocco, Uganda defeated South Sudan 5-1 on aggregate in the first round of qualifiers before hanging on to overcome Rwanda 3-2 in the second round.
For Burundi, they are attempting to reach a second CHAN finals having done so in South Africa 2014 where they were eliminated in the group stages after finishing third in group D.
To reach the second round, Uganda took care of Somali while Burundi eliminated South Sudan.
Match Facts
This will be the 8th meeting between the two sides since December 2007.
In the past 7 meetings, Uganda has won 5, Burundi once and the other ended in a draw.
Uganda’s only victory away to Burundi in that period came in a 2-0 win back in 2007 in a friendly.
Going into Saturday’s game, Burundi has lost only three of their last 13 CHAN games (W6 D4).
At home, the Swallows have never lost a CHAN qualification game, winning three and drawing the other two of the five games so far.
Uganda on the other hand have won only of their last 6 CHAN games ( both the finals and qualification), drawing twice and losing the other three.
However, in qualification, the Cranes have lost just one of their past six games (W3 D2).
Uganda’s squad in Burundi
Goalkeepers
Alitho James, Charles Lukwago
Out-field players
Halid Lwaliwa, Mustafa Kizza, Paul Willa, John Revita, Paul Patrick Mbowa, Bright Anukani, Nicholas Kasozi, Musitafa Mujuzi, Shafiq Kagimu Kuchi, Allan Okello, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Yusuf Ssozi, Dan Muzeyi Serunkuma, Mike Mutyaba, Fahad Bayo Aziz, Viane Ssekajjugo
