Uganda Cranes Eye Crucial Win Over Niger
South Africa need a victory in order to stay in contention for a knockout round spot. Guinea, on the other hand, desire a second victory
Coach Morley Byekwaso's team had a shoddy start, losing 3-0 to silver medalists Algeria in the opening match of the tournament. That loss put pressure on them to bounce back as soon as possible. Photo/ KBC Digital
By Juliet Jerotich
Uganda Cranes return to business tonight at Mandela Stadium in a do-or-die Group C encounter against Niger in the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). The hosts need a win to remain in the quarterfinals hunt.
The Cranes are also in second position with three points, a point behind Algeria’s current lead. Last week, Uganda improved their chances with a resounding 3-0 win over Guinea in their second group game.
Coach Morley Byekwaso’s team had a shoddy start, losing 3-0 to silver medalists Algeria in the opening match of the tournament. That loss put pressure on them to bounce back as soon as possible.
Niger, or the Menas, have the least in the group with zero points. They lost 1-0 to Guinea in the first match and will be looking for a victory to avoid early elimination.
Uganda will count on their home supporters to carry them through. The emotional fan has already played a huge role in their competition. Back home, Tanzania have already qualified for the quarterfinal, and Kenya are also on the verge of qualification.
Thursday’s match begins with South Africa playing against Guinea at 5 p.m. South Africa need a victory in order to stay in contention for a knockout round spot. Guinea, on the other hand, desire a second victory that would position them well to qualify.
Uganda’s game against Niger is scheduled for 8 p.m. The Cranes will aim to use their attacking prowess and home crowd advantage to secure the three points. Winning the match will position them well in readiness for the concluding group matches.
The stakes are high. For Uganda, victory is staying in contention for the round of eight. For Niger, survival at the tournament is important. Both sides should be expected to give it their all on the field beneath the floodlights tonight in Kampala.
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