Rwanda v Uganda – East African CHAN Derby

East African neighbors Rwanda and Uganda lock horns at Stade de le Reunification in Douala as the CECAFA rivals start their Total African Nations Championship (CHAN), Cameroon 2020 campaign on Monday in the frame of Group C of the tournament designed exclusively for domestic based players.

Perhaps the attraction of the match will be on the sidelines. Northern Irishman Johnny McKinstry, who led Rwanda to the quarterfinals at home in 2016 is back to CHAN, but this time as the coach of Uganda. And ironically, he will start the campaign against his old friends.

Uganda seeks success in their Total CHAN 2020 first mission, in a group that also includes title holders Morocco and debutants Togo.

"It's a tough group, but our objective is to reach the next round. We have to start with a victory,” said McKinstry.

“It's a bit special to play against my old group. Rwanda coach Mashami worked with me. But my goal is to win. We take the matches one by one,” he added.

Uganda Cranes never made it out of the group stage at CHAN, and have only one win in four appearances, although the team shows progress in each edition.

From their side, Rwanda Amavubis are also seeking a win against their neighbors. Coach Vincent Mashami is banking on this first match to boost his group's momentum towards qualification. “I told the players we have to impress. Succeeding in this bet will push us to go as far as possible in the tournament,” said the tactician who aims at least for another quarterfinal appearance.

“This is a special match for me against my former boss who knows us and we know him too. It's a game between neighbors who respect each other,” he added.