AFCON 2023 QUALIFIERS
Sunday, JUNE 18
Uganda Cranes vs Algeria at the Japoma Stadium in Cameroon
TIME: 6pm
After a slow start to their African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, the Uganda Cranes are determined to secure a must-win fixture against Algeria this Sunday at the Japoma Stadium in Cameroon.
Uganda’s hopes were reignited when they secured a vital 1-0 victory over Tanzania on March 28, thanks to Rogers Mato Kassim’s late winner. Prior to that triumph, the Cranes had struggled, suffering defeats against Algeria and Tanzania, along with a draw against Niger in June 2022.
With four points out of a possible 12, Milutin Sredojevic’s team currently sits in second place in Group F, level with Tanzania, and two points above Niger at the bottom.
Despite a recent friendly defeat to DR Congo, Sredojevic is expected to field a similar lineup. The defense may feature Aziz Kayondo, Halid Lwaliwa, Fred Gift, and Kenneth Semakula, while veteran striker Emmanuel Okwi and Fahad Bayo are likely to lead the attack.
Goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola expressed the team’s eagerness for the crucial match, stating, “It is a lifetime chance to be at this stage. It is a chance for us to go through to the next round if we beat Algeria.” Magoola emphasized that the squad is in high spirits and ready to give their all on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Algeria enters the fixture as one of the few teams with a flawless record in the qualifiers, having already secured their spot in the AFCON finals in Ivory Coast. They aim to continue their winning streak in Group F.
The game will be broadcast live on FUFA TV, providing fans with the opportunity to witness this crucial showdown between Uganda Cranes and Algeria.