Uganda Cranes defeated Djibouti 4-1 to make it four wins in four games as the group stages of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup came to an on Sunday at Lugogo.

The victory saw Uganda top Group A with 12 points, followed by Eritrea on seven. The Cranes will now face Tanzania in the semifinals on Tuesday.

The tournament offers a big opportunity for Coach Jonathan McKinstry to win his first silverware for Uganda just like some of his predecessors, Bobby Williamson and Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredjovic did during their tenure as Uganda Cranes coaches.

Uganda who didn’t put on a good show in the first half and part of the second half against Djibouti managed to improve after the introduction of Footballer of the Year Allan Okello and Bright Anukani in the last 15 minutes of the game.

Muzamiru Mutyaba, Joachim Ojera, Ben Ocen and substitute Anukani each had a goal as Cranes made it four wins in four games. Djibouti picked a consolation through Haroun Muhammed.

Cranes who are also the record champions (14 titles) of this regional football tournament will hope lady luck smiles their way as they seek to win the title at home.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars beat Zanzibar 3-2 on post-match penalties after 2-2 draw to win the last edition, held in 2017.

CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup

Results

Somalia 0 Burundi 0

Uganda 4 Djibouti 1

Semifinals

Tuesday

Kenya v Eritrea

Uganda v Tanzania