Uganda routed Somalia to put them in a good position to qualify for the semis

Tony Mawejje hit a hat-trick for the hosts in Kampala, before substitute Geoffrey Massa completed the rout to make it four in the 75th minute.

Uganda's coach Bobby Williamson played down the win, saying his team had to play forcefully to ensure victory.

"Some [teams] have left no doubt that they cannot be underrated, so we were not going to take chances," he said.

Uganda now lead their group with seven points, a point ahead of Tanzania, who beat Rwanda 2-0 earlier in the day.

In a must-win game, the Tanzanians came out fighting from the outset, and grabbed an early opener through Mrisho Ngassa.

Athumani Iddi "Chuji" added the second when he combined well with Danny Mrwanda to easily beat Patrick Rutayisire in the Rwanda goal.

Tanzania coach Marcio Maximo said he set out his team to play a fast-paced game to tame a tactful Rwanda side.

"We have been improving with each game and hope we shall maintain that tempo," he said.

The fate of the group will be decided on Friday when Zanzibar play Rwanda as Tanzania face Uganda, also in Kampala.

Zanzibar, on four points, and Rwanda, on three points, must win to have any chance of appearing in the semis, while Somalia are all but out.

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