Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic's Cranes are in a must-win situation. They are three points behind second-placed Tanzania, and their dream of reaching Ivory Coast for the AFCON hangs in the balance.
The stage is set for an intense battle as the Uganda Cranes, prepares to face Niger in a pivotal clash in Group F of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers [AFCON].
The encounter promises high stakes, pride, and a shot at the 2023 AFCON to be held in Ivory Coast in January next year.
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Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic's Cranes are in a must-win situation. They are three points behind second-placed Tanzania, and their dream of reaching Ivory Coast for the AFCON hangs in the balance.
To keep their hopes alive, they need nothing less than three points in this encounter.
The Cranes received a glimmer of hope with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tanzania, thanks to Rogers Mato Kassim's late strike.
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15:21 - 06.09.2023
FOOTBALL Confident Kasule feels AFCON beckoning for Cranes
For Uganda, any conversation around qualification starts with maximum points against Niger and then hope for a favourable result in the match between Tanzania and Algeria.
However, they suffered another setback following a 2-1 defeat to Algeria in June, on the same day Tanzania defeated Niger 1-0, which dealt a huge blow to their AFCON hopes.
Yet, the Cranes have faced their fair share of setbacks, with four losses in their last five matches across all competitions, including an early exit from the African Nations Championship.
Niger, while playing for pride, is eager to end their run of five consecutive defeats.
14:57 - 06.09.2023
FOOTBALL Who starts for Uganda Cranes in do-or-die clash with Niger?
Charles Lukwago, Gavin Kizito and team captain Emmanuel Okwi are the three players who started the reverse fixture in Kampala but are unavailable for Thursday’s do-or-die encounter.
Their hopes for an AFCON appearance have been dashed, but they aim to finish the qualifiers on a positive note. With nothing to lose, they are a potential banana skin for the Cranes.
Currently rooted at the bottom of Group F, Niger is seeking redemption after a string of disappointments.
They have faced defeat in each of their last five matches across various competitions, adding to their determination to turn the tide.
Niger's journey in this qualifying campaign has been a rollercoaster ride. They started with promise, securing a 1-1 draw against Tanzania in June 2022, followed by another 1-1 draw against Uganda.
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09:07 - 07.09.2023
PICTORIAL Uganda vs Niger: How Micho groomed Miya for Uganda Cranes 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifier
This week marks seven years since September 4th 2016, when a certain budding youngster Faruku Miya shot into national fame by scoring the final goal that broke Uganda Cranes’ 39-year jinx of failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, their momentum faltered as they suffered successive defeats to Algeria and another loss to Tanzania.
The Mena will rely on an experienced squad, including players like Mahamadou Djibo and Ousmane Diabate.
Daniel Sosah and Amadou Sabo are expected to lead the attack, seeking to break their goal drought.
Uganda, on the other hand, has named a 23-man squad, featuring talents like goalkeeper Salim Omar Magoola and midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga.
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11:53 - 06.09.2023
FOOTBALL What must happen for Uganda Cranes to qualify for AFCON
Rogers Mato’s winner against Tanzania in Dar es Salam kept Uganda’s qualification hopes alive, but the job must now be done with another victory and prayers.
However, they will miss the services of injured skipper Emmanuel Okwi, the nation's all-time leading scorer.
Mato Rogers, Richard Basangwa, Bayo Fahad, and Frank Ssebuufu will be tasked with leading the attack.
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