After making a false start in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, the Uganda Cranes will be back in action today, June 8 as they host Niger at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. The match kicks off at 4 pm.
Uganda lost the first campaign game away against the 2019 AFCON champions, Algeria. Niger drew at home against Tanzania.
Speaking during the press conference yesterday, Cranes Captain Emmanuel Okwi said that the team is looking forward to making sure they rectify their mistakes and getting the best possible result, which is a win.
“We look forward to the game against Niger. In football, you never think about the past. You only think of what is before you, and that is in the future. So we are looking forward to the game,” he said.
Uganda and Niger have met six times in all competitions, with the Cranes managing two wins, one draw, and three defeats.
The last time the two nations faced off was in a friendly in 2018 when Niger came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Stade General Seyni Kountche in Niamey. In 2014, they also met in a friendly at the same venue, which Niger won 2-0.
In 2008, they contested in a World Cup qualifier game and it was Niger who picked up a 3-1 victory.
Uganda’s only wins against Niger came in 2007 during an Afcon qualifier when they won 3-1 at Namboole Stadium and in 2008 during a World Cup qualifier in which they won 1-0 at the same venue.
Ahead of the second game of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, Cranes coach Milutin Sredojevic is hopeful that his side will collect maximum points.
“I have absolute trust, confidence, and belief in our players. We have paid the deepest attention to detail in regards to theoretical awareness, what their sources of vulnerability are, how we can score the opponent and close the points of danger, “said Micho.
He added, “We want to play a different kind of ball game where player number twelve will play for us and we want to give them a reason. We shall continue with the never give up attitude, and with good performance, we shall get the result we want.”
How to watch
The game will be live on UBC TV.