FIXTURE:
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Uganda Cranes v Niger
Uganda Cranes skipper Emmanuel Okwi has rallied his teammates to fight for victory against Niger in Wednesday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at St Mary’s stadium, Kitende.
This is after the Cranes lost 0-2 to Algeria last Saturday in the opening Group F qualifier.
Speaking at a pre-match media conference on Tuesday, June 7 Okwi said: “All the players in the camp know the disappointment we had in Algeria; we did not get the desired result so we should go out tomorrow (June 8) and fight for victory.”
In Group F’s other match, Tanzania host Algeria in Dar es Salaam on the same day.
Going into Wednesday’s game, The Cranes are bottom of Group F after Tanzania and Niger played out to a 1-1 draw last weekend. So, the Cranes must avoid another loss if they are to retain any chances of qualifying for the AFCON Finals in Ivory Coast next year.
Niger, despite their lower FIFA ranking (at 116) compared to Cranes’ number 86th, are no easy side.
For instance,history between the Cranes and Niger favours the West African nation.
Niger have beaten the Cranes three times in their last five meetings. The Cranes have won twice.
It is, however, against such odds that coach Milutin Micho Srejodvic must drill the Cranes to their maiden victory in this qualifying campaign.
