Preview: Uganda vs. Kenya - prediction, team news, lineups

Uganda play host to Kenya at the St. Mary's Stadium-Kitende with their 2022 FIFA World Cup destiny still in their own hands.

On the other hand, the away side head into the contest with only pride left to play for having fallen badly off the pace in Group E.

Match preview

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Uganda picked up a second straight win over Rwanda following a 1-0 victory in Entebbe on October 10 when the sides squared up.

Fahad Bayo broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute and that was enough to secure a crucial three points for Milutin Sredojevic's men.

Having picked up eight points from a possible 12 so far, the Cranes are currently two points behind group leaders Mali with two games left to play.

Thursday's visitors go head-to-head with the aforementioned Mali in a crunch clash on Sunday but in the meantime, the focus is on getting past an opposing side who have not lost any of the last five meetings.

Kenya's wait for a first qualifying victory goes on as they were beaten 1-0 by Mali at the Nyayo National Stadium on October 10.

Ibrahima Kone opened the scoring 10 minutes into the second half to put Engin Firat's men to the sword.

The Harambee Stars are third in Group E with only two points to their name after the first four matchdays.

Off the back of shipping five goals in their last outing away from home, Thursday's visitors will be wary of being on the wrong end of another heavy defeat.

Team News

Twenty-three-year-old Fahad Bayo has found the back of the net in each of his last two games and is one to keep an eye on.

Bayo is expected to be joined in attack by Stephen Mukwala, who recently made his debut with the national team after impressing at youth level.

Michael Olunga has scored more goals for Kenya than any other active player, while also grabbing his side's only goal of the qualifiers so far.

Lawrence Juma was dropped to the bench for the visitors' last outing, but the Gor Mahia midfielder is likely to be recalled back into the starting XI for this one.

Uganda possible starting lineup:
Lukwago; Iguma, Kayondo, Muleme, Walusimbi; Awany, Lwanga, Bobosi, Waiswa; Bayo, Mukwala

Kenya possible starting lineup:
Bwire; Khamis, Omurwa, Okumu, Otieno; Odada, Muguna, Abuya; Juma, Machiri, Olunga

We say: Uganda 2-0 Kenya

The onus is more on Uganda to take control of proceedings and come out on top in this one. We fancy them to get the job done at the sound of the final whistle.

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