Cranes eager to fly over Kilimanjaro Stars

Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry has stressed the need for freshness ahead of the final bend of the Cecafa Championships.
He has consequently rotated his squad in the final two group games as the Cranes progressed despite arguments for a need to maintain momentum by giving playing time to his presumed first team.
His school of thought that has worked well thus far with four group game wins will consequently be under test when the Uganda Cranes play Tanzania Kilimanjaro Stars in the semi-finals of the tournament this evening.
“The team looks good and fresh. They are eager for the game and there was a good amount of energy in training today. Obviously it’s been a tough tournament so far playing four games in eight days is a lot of football but we’ve tried to manage that and looking forward to a strong energetic performance against Tanzania,” McKinstry said yesterday.
Players such as Fahad Bayo, Shafik Kagimu, Charles Lukwago, Allan Okello and Bright Anukani are consequently expected to return to the starting lineup for the first time since the 2-0 win against Somalia.
And McKinstry reckons should the team give their best they should be able to deliver victory.
“We know we have to put on our best performance if we are to be successful. If we are below our best, Tanzania have enough quality players that can punish us. But we are focused on putting on our top performance and if we do so we will be in a good position to go through,” McKinstry added.
They will be playing a Tanzania side that finished second behind Kenya to whom they lost in Group B before edging Zanzibar 1-0 and playing out a goalless draw with Sudan.
While they have lacked a cutting edge, their midfield of Celophace Mkandla, Mohammed Hussein Mohammed, Bakari Mwamnyeto Nondo is one that will provide a stern test for the Cranes who are seeking a record 15th title.

CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup