East African fest
Chasing dreams. The East African countries of Kenya, Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania could all make it to the Africa Nations Cup Tournament due June in Egypt. Photos by Agencies and eddie chicco
What you need to know:
- Soccer. Should Tanzania squeeze through to join Uganda and Kenya, and Burundi pick a point off Gabon to confirm qualification, it will be the biggest East African party ever an Afcon finals
With the stand-off between Uganda and Rwanda, the East African community could as well do with a good story, a sporting tale of unity and triumph.
But just as complicated as the relationship between the aforementioned duo, it could yet be another East African country that interferes with the potential East African party in Egypt.
Never before have more than one East African countries played at the same Africa Cup of Nations finals, and the 2019 edition in Egypt is the closest it ever has been.
Coach Sebastien Desabre’s Uganda led the way, this time qualifying for the second successive edition with a match to spare.
Kenya followed suit, qualifying alongside Ghana from Group F, and could be followed by associates Burundi, who need just a draw at home to Gabon to confirm their slot at the finals.
Tanzania stand a slim chance to join the East African fest in Egypt but theirs is a complicated affair. Another East African country could come to the Tanzanians’ rescue or bury them altogether – hardly respite for the Community.
Tanzania must beat Uganda and hope Lesotho do not get maximum points in Cape Verde for them to qualify while a Cranes victory or draw will be the end for Taifa Stars.
Uganda could be the good partner in crime or the eternal Judas south of the country should Tanzania fail to pick maximum points and Lesotho fail to beat Cape Verde.
Yet this is sport, where it must be won on the pitch in the fairest sporting scenario possible.
If Tanzania pull it off, the East Africans will surely party in land of the Pharaohs, but even in the event Taifa Stars do not, Uganda and Kenya will not care much, for they have already kicked it off.
