Cranes ready to rise to Niger challenge, says defender Kizito
“We are not looking at the opponents' defeat in their previous encounter because we also lost our first game, but we are going to stick to the game plan and go for a win,” Kizito said.
Gavin Mugweri Kizito has assured Ugandan fans that the team is prepared for the task ahead. (Photos by Johnson Were)
By Johnson Were
Journalists @New Vision
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The CHAN Group C match between Uganda and Niger at Mandela National Stadium at 8pm on Monday, August 11, 2025, is a do-or-die encounter for both teams.
A win for Uganda will boost the Cranes’ chances of progressing from the group stages without relying on complex calculations. Gavin Mugweri Kizito has assured Ugandan fans that the team is prepared for the task ahead.
“We are not looking at the opponents' defeat in their previous encounter because we also lost our first game, but we are going to stick to the game plan and go for a win,” Kizito said.
His coach, Morley Byekwaso, echoed his confidence.
“We want this win more than we wanted that win against Guinea and we are going all out for a win,” he said.
Coach Paul Put giving instructions to Cranes Players in a training at Namboole on Thursday, August 07.
Byekwaso urged his players to avoid conceding early goals, as it destabilises the team.
He ruled out starting Ivan Ahimbisibwe, explaining that he wants to strengthen the bench, as all 90 minutes in football are important.
He confirmed that all injured players, including Emmanuel Anyama, have recovered and will be given a chance to feature.
“Our camp is geared up, and we are ready for the challenge. It is going to be a difficult game for us, but we have to add that extra fight to win all the remaining matches,” Byekwaso added.
Uganda has two games left in the five-team pool: today’s clash with Niger and the final match against South Africa.
Byekwaso acknowledged that the Cranes’ chances of reaching the knockout stage were dented by the 3-0 loss to Algeria in the opening match. However, the 3-0 win against Guinea revived their hopes, and the players are well aware of the opportunity before them.
“We know our chances were reduced by Algeria in the opening game but again the Algeria draw against South Africa gave every team a chance. It is upon our players to take up that chance, enter the pitch extra hungry to match out with a win against all their remaining opponents, starting with Niger,” he added.
Both Kizito and Byekwaso praised the fans for their support and urged them to maintain the same energy in today’s encounter.
Earlier in the day, South Africa will face Guinea in the other Group C fixture.