Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojević has tipped his team to shine during the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals tournament, which will be held in Rwanda from January 16 to February 7.

Uganda, who are appearing the continent’s second biggest international football competition for the third time, are in Pool D alongside Zimbabwe, who finished fourth last years in South Africa, Zambia and West African giants Mali.

The former Amavubi Stars coach though admits the three countries will give Uganda a real test as they try to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in three attempts.

"All the teams are playable but will be a real test for us, we just need to prepare adequately,” Micho was quoted by the Ugandan press this week.

The Serbian added, "As always we are doing our ground work and we shall go to Rwanda well equipped to better our past performances, with CECAFA giving us good preparations.” 

Micho takes his side into this year’s CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Ethiopia seeking to win a record-extending 14th regional title but the first since 2012. Uganda thrashed Togo 3-0 last week to advance to the group stages of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

CHAN Groups

Group A: Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Morocco, GabonGroup B: DRC, Ethiopia, Cameroon, AngolaGroup C: Tunisia, Guinea, Niger, NigeriaGroup D: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mali

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