One point from history: Uganda on brink of CHAN knockout stage
Overview: home advantage or table position?
A win would see Uganda top the group and play their quarterfinal match in Zanzibar, while a draw would likely see them finish in second place, granting them the advantage of a home quarterfinal at Namboole Stadium.
The Uganda Cranes are on the verge of making history as they head into tonight’s final group stage match against South Africa in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Namboole Stadium.
The team needs just a single point to secure a spot in the quarterfinals for the first time ever. Following Friday’s results, which saw Algeria draw with Guinea and South Africa held to a goalless stalemate by Niger, Uganda sits atop Group C with six points from three games.
This means their fate is now firmly in their own hands. A draw against South Africa would give the Cranes seven points, one clear of Bafana Bafana, and guarantee their progression regardless of the outcome of the Algeria vs. Niger match.
A win would see Uganda top the group and play their quarterfinal match in Zanzibar, while a draw would likely see them finish in second place, granting them the advantage of a home quarterfinal at Namboole Stadium.
The support from Ugandan fans has been massive in previous games, and a home-field advantage could be crucial. Tickets for today’s game were already sold out by Friday evening.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference at Namboole yesterday, Uganda Cranes Coach Morley Byekwaso emphasized that the team is focused on nothing less than a victory.
“South Africa is a good team, very strong in the final third, but we know what is at stake,” Byekwaso remarked.
“We top the table because we worked very hard for it. We want a win regardless. Passing through the humiliation against Algeria and coming back stronger in the next two games shows we are prepared to make history.”
The Cranes will, however, be without midfielder Joel Sserunjogi, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards.
“Missing Joel is challenging, but I trust all the boys,” Byekwaso said. “Every player has his moment, and someone will step up to fill the gap.”
He also praised the fans, calling on them to “come in big numbers and help us finish what we started.”
Midfielder Abdul Kariim Watambala echoed the coach’s sentiments, stating, “We know what is at stake as players. We are prepared very well by our coaches. Playing at home comes with a lot of demands; we have to play with all our hearts out to make our fans happy, so we are looking forward to winning the game.”
South African coach Molefi Ntseki acknowledged the importance of the match for his side as well.
“This is a very important match. We know that when we win, we progress to the quarterfinals,” Ntseki stressed.
“It’s the final game of Group C, and all three teams want the win. We are ready to fight and will do whatever it takes to go past this stage.”
Despite Uganda’s strong run in the tournament, history is not on their side. Since 2004, the Cranes have faced South Africa six times, with four wins for Bafana Bafana and two draws.
Uganda is still searching for its first-ever victory against South Africa, a fact that highlights the challenge ahead.
South Africa has also outscored Uganda 11-6 in their head-to-head encounters. Nevertheless, the Ugandan team’s performance has been spirited and determined. A single point tonight is all that stands between them and a historic place in the knockout stage of CHAN.
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