Uganda begin their title defence of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup with a date against Swallows of Burundi in a Group B encounter at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega on Monday evening.

Cranes have been inactive since the 1-1 draw over Congo-Brazzaville in the 2018 World Cup qualifier few weeks ago.

However, Cranes head coach Moses Basena has decided to take a youthful squad to this year’s regional regional tournament which is hosted by Kenya.

The majority of the squad are expected to form part of Basena’s final 23-man squad for January’s CHAN that will be hosted in Morocco.

Burundi though, have a truckload of experience on their side,led by former Sofapaka FC marksman Abdoul Fiston and Kakamega Homeboyz keeper Mac Arthur Arakaza who are veterans of the competition with Arakaza being one of the best who starred in 2013 competition.

Being named underdogs in this years competition Burundi will be looking to suprise Uganda and appear to have tossed aside the script at this year event as their coaches promised to head into today’s clash without any fear.

Both teams are boasting a full contingent of players to choose from, meaning the respective coaches are each likely to field their strongest possible starting XI.

For Uganda, inspirational skipper Nico Wakiro Wadada will once more lead the side, while Burundi will be relying on Mavugo Laudit infront.

When Cranes and Burundi met in a international match in November 2015, the former won 1-0 thanks to Frank Kalanda goal in Hawassa.