Uganda have the better record against Tanzania in their latest 13 encounters in all competitions.
The Cranes have recorded seven wins, drawn three and lost three meaning they come into this game as favourites.
Last time Tanzania won a game against Uganda Cranes was way back in 2007, in a friendly, and by a solitary goal.
Since then, the best they have managed is a draw or a win by penalty shootouts as seen in the 2013 Cecafa where they won 3-2 after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
Uganda are topping Group L with three points, while Tanzania, who failed to win their opener, are lying second. The Cranes started their Afcon campaign in the Group on a high note after beating Cape Verde by a solitary goal courtesy of striker Geoffrey Sserunkuma.
It was not the same case for Taifa Stars, who slipped against minnows Lesotho. Mbwana Samatta had given his side a deserved lead in the 28th minute but seven minutes later Thapelo Tale made it even after defensive lapses.
Simba SC’s Emmanuel Okwi will be the main man for Uganda Cranes. The forward has managed to score 19 goals in 57 appearances for the national team. Smouha’s Derrick Nsibambi, who made his debut last year, is another player to watch considering the fact that he has scored six goals in just sixteen outings for the Cranes.
Uganda have scored twenty-two goals in their last thirteen matches against Tanzania, conceding just nine in the process. Denis Onyango, who plays for South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, has been the source of inspiration for the team and he will be targeting a second clean sheet.
Mbwana Samatta will be the key player for Taifa Stars. The striker has been on fine form and was on target against Lesotho. He has scored sixteen goals in 44 appearances for the national team and will be aiming to add more on Saturday.
Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amunike will handle Tanzania for the first since he penned a two-year contract to coach the side while it will be the first home game for Uganda’s French coach Sebastien Desabre since he took over the mantle from Serbian Micho Sredojevic last December.
Tanzania will face Uganda minus six of their key players – Erasto Nyoni, Jonas Mkude, Shiza Kichuya, Hassan Dilunga, Shomari Kapombe, John Bocco and Feisal Salum ‘Fei Toto’ – who were banned by coach Emmanuel Amunike from this encounter for reportedly failing to report to camp in time.
