Kampala — After winning one and losing one during their four-day acclimatisation camp in Benoni - South Africa, the stage is set for Sam Walusimbi's U-19 troops to defend their African title in Windhoek, Namibia starting with a clash against Nigeria today.

In Benoni, Uganda brushed aside Nigeria by six wickets courtesy of Izak Abdallah (40 runs) and Arnold Otwani(30) but were brought down by a select Easterns side, losing by 98 runs on Friday.

And with both sides familiar with each other's strengths, the West Africans will be out to avoid conceding two defeats to Uganda. But Uganda have the pedigree to muscle past Nigeria and will be expected to get their campaign off to a flier.

"Namibia, Kenya and Sierra Leone are the sides that shall stand in our way. I'm hopeful the big boys like captain Brian Masaba, all-rounder Henry Ssenyondo, batsman Abraham Oduch and wicket-keeper Saul Kisikwe can come to the party," said team manager Bashir 'Badu' Ansasira.

Two teams will progress through to join the eight top finishers from ICC's other four regions for the right to play in the main qualifier next year. Only five of the 10 teams at the 2011 event will reach the World Cup. Local umpires Patrick Makumbi and Baker Elonge, who flew out to Windhoek yesterday, take giant leaps in their careers when they officiate at the continental showpiece today.

On the local scene, Tornado B take on Nile in a mid-table clash of the ongoing Division I National Cricket League whereas relegation-threatened sides Africa Cricket Club (ACC) and Rounders face off in Jinja. In Division II, Makerere battle Charity in Budo.

At Lugogo, the India Independence Anniversary celebrations will be marked with a Six-A-Side tournament.

Africa U-19 WC Qualifiers

Today in Windhoek

Uganda v Nigeria

Namibia v Botswana

Zambia v Kenya

Today - Division I

Tornado B v Nile (Kyambogo)

ACC v Rounders (Jinja)

Today at Lugogo (10 am)

India Independence Anniversary

Six-A-Side Tournament