Nairobi — Uganda and Kenya renew their rivalry that spans 83 years when they lock horns in the Orange CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup quarterfinal at Nyayo National Stadium today.

The East African derby between Kenya and Uganda has been played since May 1, 1926, when the two teams drew 1-1 in Nairobi. Uganda and Kenya met 22 times in the Gossage Cup, before the tournament turning into the CECAFA Challenge Cup.

Uganda and Kenya have met there 25 times, with eight wins for each, and nine draws.

The two side's 69th international encounter overall today is again expected to be a tense and close affair.

Uganda's head coach Robert Williamson admitted yesterday that he expects a tough match owing to the long rivalry between the two nations and also because Kenya will enjoy massive home support.

"I respect Kenya and other teams still remaining in the tournament. Although I can't make promises, we shall do our best to go past them before going all the way to return the trophy back to Uganda," Williamson said.

The cliff hanger will be a repeat of last year's final where the Cranes beat Harambee Stars 1-0.

Williamson gambled with the line up against Zanzibar that nearly cost him top spot, a strategy that will change today.

Geoffrey Maasa will again lead the Cranes attack as they go flat out to silence the Kenyans on home soil.

On his part, Kenyan coach Twahir Muhiddin said they will go for an all out attacking game in order to carry the day.

"Uganda is a good team which should not be underrated, thus the need to device strategies to tame them," he said, adding that the massive home support and the fact that they have improved with every match gives them an edge over their opponents.

Tournament favourites Zambia take on Zanzibar in the other quarterfinal match confident of victory to boost their morale ahead of the 2010 Africa Nations Cup in Angola.

The Chipolopolo will however be without the services of prolific goal getter James Chamanga who was recalled by his Chinese club having scored three goals in two matches.

Uganda - Probable line up:

H. Muwonge, S. Maasa, G. Walusimbi, J. Owino, A. Mwesigwa, O. Kasule, D. Wagaluka, T. Mawejje, G. Maasa, P. Ssenyonjo, S. Bengo.

CECAFA Quarterfinals

Today

Zambia v Zanzibar 3pm

Uganda v Kenya 5pm

Tomorrow

Tanzania v Eritrea

Rwanda v Zimbabwe