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Uganda Cranes will host Niger in the 2023 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Wednesday.
This will be the Cranes second group game after loosing the first one against Algeria at the 5th July 1962 Stadium on Saturday 4th June.
This will see the hosts play Niger and both teams will have the match kick off at 4pm (EAT) with the Uganda team having an aim of winning their first game against a stubborn Niger side.
Uganda Cranes head Coach Milutin Sredojevic termed the West African side as “the United States of West Africa.” in the press conference earlier on Tuesday.
Left to right ; Julius Mutebi, Micho and Emma Okwi
In a Press Conference that was moderated by the Team Media Officer Julius Mutebi, Micho and his Captain Emma Okwi are the two individuals who came out address the media with Micho coming out to clarify that he still has absolute trust, confidence and belief in the players.
I have absolute trust, confidence and belief in our players. We have gone to 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.
The mental strength and spirituality of the players after the days in camp are perfect. We are fully aware of what it takes in this group and since this match is at home, we are in a situation where we want to give it all. We want to be mentally strong using the never give up approach.
About Niger ;
Technically and tactically we are playing against a team with French football school and when you have that in mind, we need to have adequate approach that will practically push us to the direction of keeping our identity and showing that Kitende is a fortress where nobody can come and resist all our plans. Believing in players, believing in all your support, believing that we will get the performance and result from tomorrow’s game.
Emma Okwi speaking to the media.9th
Uganda Cranes Captain Emmanuel Okwi also added to the Coach’s words saying;
We look forward to the game against Niger on Wednesday. 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 tomorrow to make sure we rectify our mistakes and get the best possible result which is a win.
On the Other side, Niger who came into the Country on Sunday after drawing their first game 1-1 away in Tanzania now hope for a positive result with the urge of wanting to finish off their business at home.
Niger players arrive at the Entebbe International airport on Sunday.
Niger who are plagued by financial concerns, which have caused them to withdraw from different international tournaments on more than one occasion look determined this time and look forward to qualifying for the 2023 TotalEnergies AFCON.
Niger train ahead of the game.
They have a blend of experience and freshness and this time will look to players like Amadou Sabo(Club Africain), Abdoul Kader Djibo(AS Douanes), Amadou Moutari (Al-Fayha), Victorien Adebayor (US GN) in order to pick up a result from the game.
According to news from both national team camps, all players are fine with the Uganda side welcoming back Fahad Bayo welcoming back who was denied access to get into Algeria because of the political issues between Algeria and Isreal where he plays his club football.
Probable line up
Uganda
C. Lukwago, Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Bevis Mugabi, Halid Lwaliwa, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Marvin Youngman, Milton Kallisa, Fahad Bayo, Emma Okwi
Niger
Van Attenhoven (GK), A. Doudou, A. Garba, A. Alhassane, M. Wonkoye, Y. Oumarou, O. Diabaté, Moumouni Soumana, A. Moutari, V. Adebayor, D. Sosah
Head to head
Niger 2-1 Uganda
Uganda 1-0 Niger
Niger 2-0 Uganda
Uganda 3-1 Niger
Niger 3-1 Uganda
In the other game of Group F Algeria will face Tanzania away from home.
