East African rivals meet in final

The Uganda coach has called for fans to back his side

Hosts Uganda will play their great local rivals Kenya in the final of the Cecafa Cup on Tuesday, with coach Bobby Williamson urging the home fans to get behind the team.

The Cranes are confident that they can claim a win – unlike back in 1982 in Kampala, when Kenya came from behind to level the game, and then won the tournament on a penalty shoot-out.

Uganda have been in fine form throughout this event, sailing into the final with a 5-0 hammering of Burundi.

But that has not stopped some sections of the footballing public from criticising the team.

Coach Bobby Williamson says the team – who have reached the final for the first time in five years – need all the backing they can get.

“Don’t just turn up and expect us to win,” he told the BBC’s African sports programme Fast Track.

“We’ll need support, we need everybody to get behind the players. There’s a lot of young players there and we need to keep encouraging them.

Kenya’s Francis Ouma has been banging in the goals in the Cecafa Cup

“We’ve stated that we’re trying to build a team to challenge in more serious competitions – and two years later these guys will be better.

“If some people can’t understand the way we’re trying to play then that’s their problem – I’ve got to play the way I believe football should be played.”

Uganda have a full squad to choose from, with Kasule Owen returning from suspension.

But Kenya coach Francis Kimanzi is relaxed about the challenge ahead.

“I have studied them and I think there is no reason to panic”, he said.

“We have gone through a tough tournament and what I can promise is that this is not going to be a walkover.”

The final will take place on Tuesday at 1600 GMT, while the third place play-off – between Tanzania and Burundi – is scheduled for 1300 GMT.