CHAN 2024: Uganda brace for decisive clash against Niger in Group C
By Joel Masibo, August 11, 2025TotalEnergies 2024 African Nations Championship co-hosts Uganda face a make-it-or-break-it moment in Group C of the tournament on Monday evening, August 10, 2025, at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala.
Having three points in two outings for Uganda Cranes puts them in a desperate situation ahead of the clash. The home side lost their opening fixture 2-0 against Algeria on Monday, August 4, 2025, before bouncing back with a commanding 3-0 victory against Guinea on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Mandela stadium.
Buoyed by home advantage and an electric crowd, Uganda will look to secure three crucial points that could open the door to the knockout stage. Niger, on the other hand, knows that defeat would end their campaign prematurely after losing 1-0 to Guinea in their opening fixture.
Uganda game plan
Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso says his team won’t simply replicate the game plan that brought them victory over Guinea. Instead, they will tweak their strategy to neutralise Niger’s style of play.
“No two matches are identical,” Byekwaso told CafOnline. “We’ll keep the solid structure we showed previously but make changes where necessary. Those who performed well will be rewarded.”
On the other hand, Niger coach Harouna Doulla is demanding discipline and sharper execution from his team. “We must correct mistakes, apply pressure, and play to our strengths,” he said. Acknowledging Uganda’s intense home support, Doulla views it as motivation rather than intimidation. “We must free ourselves and show our full potential.”
At the same time, Uganda Cranes defender Gavin Mugweri Kizito cautioned against complacency despite Niger’s earlier loss. Kizito insisted on the importance of keeping a clean sheet against their Monday opponents.
“We’ve been in that position before. We’re ready mentally, physically, and technically,” he said, stressing the importance of both winning and keeping a clean sheet.
Meanwhile, things are looking thick in Group C with Algeria leading with four points in two outings, Uganda Cranes come in second with three points in two outings, while Guinea, South Africa and Niger follow in that sequence. A win for Uganda will increase their quarterfinal hopes, while a defeat for Niger will arguably dent their CHAN 2024 campaign.