Malawi have replaced Djibouti in the Tusker Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup planned for later this month in Kampala, Uganda. Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye confirmed the withdrawal of Djibouti.

"Djibouti will not be there so in their place we have drafted in Malawi because of their previous relationship with the tournament. Their geographical proximity to the Cecafa region which makes it logistically easier to have them participate," explained Musonye.

Already 11 Cecafa countries--Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea--have confirmed participation in the tournament.

Three countries-- Malawi Cameroon and Zimbabwe-- had shown interest in participating as guests. The draws for the event will be held on Monday. East African Breweries are sponsoring the event to a tune of US$450,000 (Sh38.2m).

The winning team will be awarded $30,000 (Sh2.5m), while $20,000 (Sh1.7m) will go to the first runner-up and US$10,000 (Sh850,000) for the third-placed teams. The hosts Uganda Cranes are the defending champions and will be looking to win a third successive title in a row.

Kenya's Harambee Stars will also be hopeful of ending their bad run in the regional tourney with new coach Henry Michel at the helm