NAIROBI, Dec 7 – Defending champions Uganda take on arch-rivals Kenya in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup quarter-finals on Monday in a repeat of last year's final they won 1-0 to lift the trophy for a record tenth time.
But while the title holders have had an easy ride, winning two of their three first round matches played in the Western Kenyan town of Mumias, the hosts have struggled to reach the last eight.
Kenya coach Twahir Muhiddin, who took charge after German Antoine Hey left before the final qualifying game of the 2010 World Cup against Nigeria last month, insisted his team were improving as the tournament progressed.
After losing 2-0 in the opening match to guest team Zambia, Harambee Stars recovered to score identical 2-0 victories over Djibouti and Ethiopia respectively.
"We are ready to play Uganda. There is no question about revenge this time as both teams are entirely different from those that played each other in the final in Kampala in January," said Muhiddin.
Favourites Zambia, who are using the tournament to prepare for the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola, will play Zanzibar in the final quarter-final.
