Today

Kenya   v  Tanzania  12.30pm

Uganda v  Burundi   3.30pm

KAMPALA - Burundi coach Golbert Kanyenkore has warned Uganda not to take them lightly as the two teams clash this evening in the second semi-final of Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup at Namboole stadium.

Harambee Stars of Kenya will line-up against Tanzania in the first semi-final which also promises to be a tough battle.

Burundi who have never won the regional title, and only boost of a runner-up finish in 2004 will be more than hungry to see-off Uganda.

"We managed to qualify from a tougher group and have all it takes to beat Uganda ,” said coach Kanyenkore, who has had coaching stints in Rwanda.

He said although they know playing a home for Uganda will help them, he thinks the home team will also be on too much pressure to deliver.

The team will look to their leading scorer Claude Nihimana, Eric Gatoto and Abu Ndayisenga against a defense that has so far let-in only one goal in the tournament.

Burundi who have never won the regional Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup have said this is their time to prove a point that they are ready to win the trophy.

Kanyekore said although they are playing home side that will have all the support, they are also aware that Cranes will be on pressure to perform.

Uganda’s coach said although he respects Burundi, his team is hungry to win the title they last won in 2003.

"We are thinking about nothing less than victory. The team is rearing to go and the spirits are high,” said the Scottish born coach.

Egyptian based striker Geoffrey Massa is expected to lead the Cranes together with Brayan Omwony and Tony Mawejje.

The second semi-final promises to be a physical encounter although Kenya ’s coach Francis Kimanzi hopes the officiating is good.

"Although the Tanzanians play a very rough game, we shall take care of them and pray the referee is perfect,’ said Kimanzi who will hope that Francis Ouma, Francis Ochieng and Kevin Ochieng find their scoring touch.

Tanzania who will miss the services of Kelvin Nyondana who saw red in the last group game against Uganda will hope that luck is on their side this time round.

Kenya beat Tanzania 3-2 in the final of the 2020 edition. The likes of Athumani Iddi, Henry Joseph, Kuwait based Danny Mrwanda will lead Tanzania’s goal hunt.

The finals will take place on Tuesday with the winner taking home US$30,000, runner-up US$20,000 and the third placed team US$10,000.

Ends