Today

Uganda vs Zimbabwe 4pmZambia vs Mali 4pm

It’s Uganda against all odds for a spot in the quarter-finals as they face Zimbabwe at Umuganda stadium, while Zambia will be up against Mali at Stade de Kigali.

Both games, to be played at 4pm (16:00 CAT), are the final two matches of group stage, Mali and Uganda will be battling for one remaining slot in the round of last eight. Zambia already qualified while Zimbabwe have already been knocked out.

The likely possibility is to see Mali and Zambia as two quarter-finalists from Group D. Mali only needs a draw against Zambia to advance as runners-up in the pool. If Uganda is to defy odds and steal the ticket, they will have to defeat Zimbabwe by a goal difference of two goals and hope that Zambia beat Mali.

In an interview with Times Sport, Uganda head coach Miltun Micho said he is aware that his side has little chances to reach the knockout stages, but players should stay focused.

"We are in a very tricky situation, we have very minimal chances of making it to quarter-finals. We will go into Wednesday’s (today) game ready to maximize our chances and see what comes from the other (Zambia vs Mali) game,” the former Amavubi tactician told this paper.

The team to finish top of group D will meet Guinea in quarter-finals while second will take on Group C leaders Tunisia. These quarter-final clashes will take place on January 31 at Umuganda stadium and Kigali Regional Stadium.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw