Uganda Cranes will hope to put to a stop an abysmal nine-game winless run when they visit Rwanda in a FIFA Qatar 2022 World Cup qualification bout.

The highly anticipated regional derby will take center stage at the Nyamirambo Stadium on Thursday, October 7, 2021, with both sides looking for their first group victory.

Cranes’ head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will be expected to bounce off the two disappointing barren stalemates managed at Kenya and Mali in the group’s opening fixtures.

Another draw or defeat is expected to pile more pressure onto the tactician who is yet to record a win since his unprecedented return to the national team job in August 2021.

Uganda, third in the group with two points, is without victory in the last nine matches, losing five in the process. The last win for the Pearl of Africa came in January 2021, a 3-0 humbling of Niger in a friendly match.

Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars occupy rock-base with just one point after an opening day 1-0 defeat to Mali in Morocco and a 1-1 draw with Kenya in Kigali.

Prior to the two results, they had enjoyed decent form, playing four without a loss, winning three and drawing just once in the process.

In the last five meetings between the two bitter foes, Uganda has had the lion’s share of wins; three victories, one for Rwanda but the other, which was the last in January ended 0-0.

In captain Emmanuel Okwi’s absence, Micho has made it clear Khalid Aucho will lead the charges from the tunnel in a search for the much needed victory.

After the Kigali affair, a return encounter will be played three days later in Wakiso at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende in another that promises a heated contest.

Elsewhere in the group, neighbours and second-placed Kenya(two points) will visit leaders Mali(four points) who host their matches in Morocco on Thursday.

The Cranes 25 man final squad for Rwanda tie

Goalkeepers: Charles Lukwago, Ismail Watenga, and Nafian Alionzi

Defenders: Innocent Wafula, Julius Polooto, Isaac Muleme, Aziz Kayondo, Timothy Awany, Najib Fesali, Enock Walusimbi, Livingstone Mulondo, and Geoffrey Wasswa

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho, Moses Waiswa, Taddeo Lwanga, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Denis Iguma, Shafik Kagimu, Ibrahim Orit, Martin Kizza, and Mustafa Kizza

Forwards: Yunus Sentamu, Cromwell Rwothomio, Steven Mukwala and Fahad Bayo.