Monday August 11, 2025
- Mandela National stadium, Namboole 8pm
Uganda Cranes coach Morley Byekwaso says his charges have no excuse ahead of their crunch tie with Niger in the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship on Monday.
The two face off at Mandela National stadium, Namboole seeking maximum points to enlighten chances of reaching the quarter finals.
Uganda beat Guinea 3-0 in the last game to revive hopes that appeared faded after defeat to Algeria by the same score line while Niger lost 1-0 to the Syli Nationale.
“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 knows that the crowd’s energy was instrumental in their last outing and has issued a rallying cry.
“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.”
Niger coach Harouna Doulla focuses on silencing the home crowd and also fix mistakes that saw them lose the opening match.
“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.”
A win for Uganda will move them top of the group if Guinea don’t beat South Africa in the day’s early kick off.
Uganda Cranes Probable XI:
Mutakubwa (GK), Gavin, Achai, Mukundane, Torach ©, Sserunjogi, Watambala, Ssebagala, Ssemugabi, Okello, Mpande