With one game remaining in the group stage of CHAN 2024, can Uganda qualify for the quarterfinals of the ongoing tournament on home soil?
South Africa’s 2-1 victory over Guinea complicated Group C, as the Bafana Bafana entered the conversation for quarterfinal qualification.
On Friday, August 15, South Africa will face Niger in the late kickoff, following the clash between Algeria and Guinea.
Ugandans will be hoping that Niger puts up a strong fight against a formidable Bafana Bafana team, keeping the Cranes’ chances of advancing alive.
If Algeria and South Africa win their matches on Friday, they will reach seven points, one ahead of the co-hosts, Uganda.
What do the Cranes need to qualify for the quarterfinals?
Cranes simply need to register a victory against South Africa if they are to qualify for the quarterfinals.
At worst, Uganda will pray that Algeria and South Africa do not secure wins on Friday so that a draw is enough on Monday.
What do the Desert Foxes need to do to go into the quarterfinals?
Algeria need to simply beat Guinea on Friday to extend their tally to seven points. They will conclude this stage against Niger.
Any result from the match between South Africa and Uganda will confirm a nation to join Algeria from Group C.
From boos to chants
After falling 3-0 to Algeria in the opening game, Uganda Cranes have put up a strong fight, securing two victories against Guinea (3-0) and Niger (2-0) respectively.
The push has propelled them to assume the Group C summit with a game left at this stage of the tournament.
The fans have played a big part and will still be needed as Uganda goes into a must-win clash against South Africa.
Uganda’s reality check
After securing back-to-back wins for the first time in the history of the CHAN tournament, Uganda will get a reality check from South Africa.
Looking at the head-to-head record between Uganda and South Africa, the fixture has been dominated by the latter.
In the last six meetings, South Africa has won four, drawn four, and suffered no loss against the Uganda Cranes.
As Uganda seeks to break the CHAN curse, it will need to first draw a plan for going past a free-spirited South African side.
