It promises to be a thrilling opener at the Nyayo stadium this evening when the Harambe stars of Kenya face off with the Chipolopolo of Zambia in the opening match of this year's edition of the Cecafa Orange Senior Challenge cup.

The defending champions, Uganda Cranes pooled in group C alongside regional rivals Tanzania will be based in the Western town of Mumias for the group stage matches.

Ethiopia and perennial whipping boys Djibouti complete group A.

Both Kenya and Zambia settled for a goalless draw at last year's championship held in Kampala but the Stars coach Twahir Muhiddin believes his charges are well prepared to take on anyone.

"I don't expect my players to be under pressure, we have had nice preparations and it should be up to them to put up a good performance," Muhiddin was quoted in the local media.

Zambia will be the only team in the tournament that will take part at next year's Africa cup of Nations in Angola.

Tomorrow Uganda Cranes start their title defence with a game against Tanzania.

Today

Kenya v Zambia

Tomorrow

Uganda v Tanzania

Rwanda v Somalia

Burundi v Zanzibar

Kenya v Zambia