KAMPALA 17 AUG 2025: The Uganda Cranes are just hours away from making history as they take on South Africa in their final Group C fixture of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole today, Monday at 8pm.
Cranes head coach, Morley Byekwaso, has emphasized that nothing short of victory is on his players’ minds despite needing only a draw to advance.
“South Africa is a good team, very strong in the final third, but we know what is at stake,” Byekwaso said at the pre-match press conference on Sunday at Namboole stadium.”
“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.” He added.
The Cranes currently lead Group C with six points from three games, rebounding from a 3-0 defeat to Algeria with a 3-0 win over Guinea and a 2-0 triumph over Niger. However, they will be without midfielder Joel Sserunjogi who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards.
“Missing Joel is challenging, but I trust all the boys. Every player has his moment, and someone will step up to fill the gap,” Byekwaso noted. He also praised the fans’ backing: “We thank the supporters who have been with us since the start. We call on them to come in big numbers and help us finish what we started.”
Uganda Cranes will also bank on the support from home fans who have not disappointed the national team since the start of the tournament. CAF announced that the tickets for the match at Namboole were sold out by Friday evening – confirming the full support of fans in today’s game.
On the other side, South Africa head coach Molefi Ntseki underlined the magnitude of the tie for Bafana Bafana, who sit third in the group with five points.
“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.”
Group C Scenarios
Uganda Cranes: Need at least a draw to qualify; a win guarantees top spot.
South Africa: Must win to qualify.
Algeria: Require victory against Niger to progress.
Niger: Eliminated, playing for pride.
With history on the line and a passionate Namboole crowd behind them, the Cranes are closer than ever to breaking their group-stage curse. For Byekwaso and his charges, Monday night is more than a football match, it’s a chance to etch their names into Uganda’s football history.
Courtesy: Fufa Media team.
