David Gombe
Uganda Cranes will be seeking back to back wins when they lock horns with Niger in the group C contest on Monday night in Kampala, the Mandela National Stadium.
Both sides are desperate to keep their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) knockout dreams alive.
Uganda, fuelled by the 3-0 humbling of Guinea on Friday as well as the roar from the home crowd.
Niger needs to maximize points to keep their CHAN knock out dream alive having lost their opening game to Guinea last week.
For Morley Byekwaso’s Cranes, victory could propel them toward the knockout stage while defeat for Niger could end their campaign before it has truly begun.
“No game is the same. Each match presents different challenges, but we will try to maintain the core of the team that was structurally and positionally solid, Byekwaso said.
“However, tactics will have to change a bit because Niger’s style of play is different. There might be some adjustments on the field, but those who gave their best will be recognized tomorrow.”
Byekwaso also asserts the importance of the game to the home fans
“It means a lot for us to have the support of our fan base. In the game against Guinea, they gave us the best possible support and we repaid them with the win.
“This time, we ask them to come in large numbers, as this match is decisive for our hopes of qualification.”
Meanwhile, Guinea head coach Harouna Doulla believes his side can fix the mistakes and clinch victory
“We have to rectify some mistakes we made and pressure our opponent, using our strengths. We have to focus. We are prepared to face the fans, and that is good for the spectacle of the game,” the Niger coach said.
Doulla knows from experience that Ugandan home crowds can be intimidating, but he sees that as a challenge to be embraced.
“In all our previous encounters against Uganda, the fans’ pressure is very strong, but we will contain that pressure and fight with our fighting spirit. We have never lost in this competition, but now we have to write a new story, and the players must free themselves and show their potential.”
Meanwhile, South Africa who drew with Algeria 1-1 on Friday last week will entertain Guinea in the first game at Namboole.
