The stage set for the East African derby with Uganda ‘hosting’ Tanzania in the Afcon 2023 qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt.
The fixture pits two sides with just a point in the competition after two games and defeat or victory could be the turning point in failure or success in the campaign.
The meeting is the 11th in the competition and 62nd overall with the Taifa Stars edging the last time the two faced off in 2019 qualifying campaign.
Here are the three key battles that could decide the highly anticipated clash
Timothy Awany vs Mbwana Samatta
After missing the first two games of the campaign through injury, Awany returns to the team and will without doubt play at the heart of defence.
The Israel based centre back is a fantastic game reader, very athletic and has that take no prisoner approach to opponents which offer stability to the whole backline.
He is up against arguably the most experienced player in the Tanzania squad, Captain Mbwana Ally Samatta.
Samatta is an intelligent player who can play across all forward areas and with or without goals; he is a team player which gives the Taifa Stars another dimension.
The two will be up against each other on Friday and it will be decided there only that who prevails over the other.
Aucho Khalid vs Novatus Dismass Miroshi
Aucho has become a household name in the Tanzania Premier League since he joined Young Africans and it will be interesting to see him battle some of his teammates.
He is energetic in midfield, intercepts opponents’ attacks and has of recent learnt to initiate attacks from deep with his long passes.
Aucho comes up against a promising youngster in Novatus Dismass Miroshi who plays in Belgium with Zulte Waregem.
The midfielder has vision and versatile enough to play as a defensive, attacking, and left sided or even left back as employed in some games by his club.
Despite being only 20 years, Novatus runs the show in midfield for the Taifa Stars. His ball usage is excellent and has the knack for playing a short and a long pass.
Whoever wins this battle could decide the destiny of the game on the day.
Fahad Bayo vs Bakari Mwamnyeto
Bayo is Micho’s preferred lead centre forward and will be tasked to unlock lead the line in Ismailia.
The striker is often a nuisance to the defences with his willingness to work hard, press and hold possession for his teammates.
He comes up against the big Mwamnyeto who has been key for Young Africans in the Caf Confederation Cup.
Both are strong in the air and on the ground and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top of this particular battle.