Why Algeria will NOT like playing Uganda in Cameroon

Cranes defender Isaac Muleme (L) and midfielder Allan Okello (R) try to close down an Algerian opponent during the first meeting in Algeria first I Xinhua

AFCONQ Why Algeria will NOT like playing Uganda in Cameroon

Moses King 18:10 - 25.04.2023

Playing in Cameroon presents Algeria with a mental challenge ahead of the Uganda Cranes Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers in June.

Federation of Uganda Football Association president Moses Magogo announced today the national team would host Algeria in Cameroon.

"We had been assured by the Hon. Minister of Sports that Mandela National Stadium would be ready, but this is not the case," Magogo said.

"Considering the factors, the connections to Cameroon are good, and the Visa requirements are okay."

"But most importantly, Cameroon has offered to give us an international friendly because, in that ten-day break, Cameroon won't have an opponent in their group," Magogo added.

Uganda Cranes midfielder Farouk Miya in action against Tanzania in the first leg | Photo Credit: Courtesy

Besides the 'other advantages' that Magogo highlighted, Cameroon presents a mental task for the Algerians, who have already secured a ticket to the finals in Ivory Coast.

In the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Algeria were upstaged by Cameroon for a ticket to Qatar.

Then fresh from a disappointing AFCON campaign that saw the Desert Foxes crush out winless and bottom of the group in a tournament they entered as defending champions, Algeria looked at a trip to Qatar as the ultimate redemption.

They won the first leg 1-0 but were eliminated in the return leg by a last-minute extra-time goal from Karl-Toko Ekambi.

The Algerian Federation appealed with FIFA asking for the match to be replayed because of what they described as "disgraceful refereeing" of Gambian Bakary Gassama.

The elimination of the Algerian side Fennecs was seen as a national tragedy.

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